Measurement and recording of height and weight should include
- calibrating the height and weight scales
- ensuring a client/resident/patient wears nonskid footwear
- positioning a client/resident/patient on the scales
- measuring weight using a scale
- measuring weight using digital scale
- measuring height using a measuring bar
- recording results on a client/resident/patient chart.
Refer to Unit VII in Nurse Aide Curriculum (https://www.dhp.virginia.gov/media/dhpweb/docs/nursing/forms/education/NurseAide_Ed_Program_Curriculum.doc), Virginia Board of Nursing, Virginia Department of Health Professions, 2018. Refer also to Skill 14 in Virginia Nurse Aide Candidate Handbook (https://home.pearsonvue.com/getattachment/50009e72-ec19-410e-9148-2e8974e3f8c8/Virginia%20Nurse%20Aide%20Candidate%20Handbook-075300.aspx), Pearson VUE, 2019.
Process/Skill Questions:
- What factors help determine the appropriate device to use to measure weight of the client/resident/patient?
- What types of records are used to document a client’s/resident’s/patient’s weight or height?
- When is it necessary to measure height and weight?
- What are the proper techniques for measuring height and taking weight?
- How does one convert inches to feet, centimeters to millimeters, and pounds to grams?
- How should a client/resident/patient be positioned on the scale for recording weight?
- What is the method of balancing an infant to measure weight?
- How does one measure the height of a child?
- What are the procedures for recording height and weight measurements?
- What are the challenges involved with weighing and measuring an uncooperative client/resident/patient? How should a CNA handle such problems?