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

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

Documents

delmar learning

weight slide

balance scale slide

height measurement slide

patients height

cardex slide

patients head slide

digital scale