Obtaining height and weight

Weight and height are important indicators of the client’s overall health and nutritional status. The weight can reflect whether the disease is getting better or worse.

For example, a client with kidney or heart disease will retain fluid in their body, which increases their weight. On the other hand, a client who has cancer may lose a lot of weight.

Also, the weight is used to calculate doses of medications for the client, which helps to adjust the right dose and decrease adverse effects.

As a nursing assistant, you will measure the client's height one time, which is at admission, while the weight may be measured more frequently: at admission; periodically during the client’s stay, maybe even daily; and at discharge.

Alright, there’re a few things to keep in mind to obtain accurate weight measurements. First, the weight should be measured at the same time of the day, so the weights can be compared.

Actually, it’s best to measure it before breakfast to avoid any weight added by food or fluid the client ingests. Before measuring the client's weight, instruct them to empty their bladder because a full bladder can also add some weight.

If they have a urinary bag, empty it first; if the client is wearing incontinence briefs, make sure they’re dry. Also, you should ask them to wear the same type of clothes every time you measure their weight; preferably they should wear a gown or pajamas and take off their footwear.

Alright, there are different scales to measure the client’s weight. These include the upright scale, chair scale, bed scale, and sling scale.

The type of scale to use depends on the client's condition and their ability to stand and move from their bed. Whatever scale you use, always remember to ensure your client's safety by providing support and assistance to prevent any falls or injuries.

Now, the upright scale is used when the client can stand without assistance. These scales can be digital or mechanical.

If you’re using the digital scale, assist the client in getting onto the center of the scale platform, turn the scale on, and it will automatically measure the client’s weight.

However, if you’re using the mechanical upright scale, first move the weights all the way to the left of the balance bars. Then, assist the client in getting onto the center of the scale platform facing the balance bar.

Instruct them to hold their hands by their sides and not hold onto you or anything else. Now, to measure their weight, slide the large weight on the lower bar close to the client’s previously measured weight.

Next, slide the smaller weight on the upper bar to the right, until the balance pointer floats in the center of the balance window. Sum up the numbers on both weight bars together and you’ll have the client’s weight.

Now to measure the client’s height, ask them to turn around facing away from the scale bars. Ask the client to stand straight, and move the height rod down till it rests on the client's head. Note the client's height where the height rod meets the scale.

Now, if the client can’t stand on their own but can get out of bed, you can use a chair scale. First, help the client to sit on the chair; use a transfer belt if needed.

Make sure the client is seated securely in the chair with their back against the seat and their feet resting on the foot rest. Record their weight that appears on the digital display.

Now, If the client can’t stand on their own and uses a wheelchair to move, you can use a wheelchair scale. First, make sure to measure the weight of the empty wheelchair alone if it was not previously measured.