Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved. Unit 21 Measuring Height and Weight.

Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved.

Unit 21

Measuring Height and Weight


Objectives

• Spell and define terms.• Explain why having an accurate height

and weight for each patient is important.• Describe and demonstrate how to

weigh the patient on a standing balance scale, chair scale, wheelchair scale, digital scale, and bed scale.


Objectives

• Describe and demonstrate how to measure a patient’s height using a standing balance scale.

• Describe and demonstrate how to measure a patient using a tape measure and explain when this type of measurement is necessary.


Weight and Height Measurements

• Changes in weight are frequently used as an indicator of a patient’s condition

• Baseline measurements of height and weight – Usually obtained upon admission– These are usually noted on the Cardex



• Weights – Frequently measured when patients are

given drugs to increase their urine output



• Weight is an indicator of the patient’s nutritional status

• Measurements of weight and height – Record accurately according to facility

policy – Medications may be ordered according to

each patient’s size



• Height measurements – Feet (′) – Inches (″)– Centimeters (cm)

• Weight measurements– Pounds (lb)– Kilograms (kg)


Scales

• Upright scale • Mechanical lift with scale• Sling scale• Chair scale


Reading the Balance Scale

• For an accurate value– Balance bar must hang freely when you

begin• Lower bar

– Measures in 50 pound increments• Upper bar

– Measures in ¼ pound increments



• Short, numbered lines– Represent even number pounds

• Long, unnumbered lines – Represent odd pounds



• Add the values of the upper and lower bars together

• Refer to Figure 21-5




Obtaining the Height Measurement

• To obtain the height value– Read numbers at intersection of ruler and

scale frame– Refer to Figure 21-6


Obtaining theHeight Measurement


Measuring the Bedfast Patient

• Straighten the bottom sheet so it is free from wrinkles

• Make a small mark with your pen on the sheet at the top of the patient’s head


Measuring the Bedfast Patient

• With the tape measure, carefully measure the patient’s body from the head to the heels– Make a mark on the sheet at the heels

• Turn the patient on his or her side– Measure the distance between the marks

on the sheet


Measuring the Contracted Patient

• If the patient is contracted in the fetal position– Obtain height in two or three segments– Position patient in side-lying position


Measuring the Contracted Patient

• Measure from top of head to waist• Measure from waist to behind knees• Measure from behind knees to bottom

of heels– Write down all numbers

• Add all numbers to obtain total height measurement

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Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved. Unit 21 Measuring Height and Weight.

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