Purpose

• Weight and height are measured on admission to the agency. Then the person is weighed daily, weekly, or monthly. This is done to measure weight gain or loss.
• Standing scales are common. Chair, wheelchair, bed, and lift scales are used for persons who cannot stand. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and agency procedures.
• When measuring weight and height, follow these guidelines:
  • The person wears only a gown or pajamas. Clothes add weight. No footwear is worn. Footwear adds to the weight and height measurements.
  • The person voids before being weighed. A full bladder adds weight.
  • A dry incontinence product is worn. A wet product adds weight.
  • Weigh the person at the same time of day. Before breakfast is the best time. Food and fluids add weight.
  • Use the same scale for all weight measurements. Scales weigh differently.
  • Balance the scale at zero before weighing the person. For balance scales, move the weights to zero. A digital scale should read at zero.

Equipment

Roll cursor over items to see labels. For the purposes of clearly depicting the equipment, a barrier is not shown in this photo. When providing care, a barrier should always be placed on the surface before placing the equipment.

Lift scale

Standing scale

Wheelchair scale

Paper towels (for standing scale)

Delegation

• Follow delegation guidelines. Before measuring weight and height, obtain this information from the nurse and care plan:
  • When to measure weight and height
  • What scale to use
  • When to report measurements
  • What patient or resident concerns to report at once

Preparation

• Observe quality-of-life measures.
• Review the information under Delegation and Safety and Comfort.
• Ask the person to void.
• Practice hand hygiene.
• Bring the scale and paper towels (for a standing scale) to the person’s room.
• Identify the person. Check the ID bracelet against the assignment sheet. Also call the person by name.
• Provide for privacy.

Safety

• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using chair, wheelchair, bed, or lift scales. Also follow the agency’s procedures.
• Practice safety measures to prevent falls.

Comfort

• The person wears only a gown or pajamas for the weight measurement. Prevent chilling and drafts.

Follow-up Care

• Provide for comfort.
• Place the call light within reach.
• Raise or lower bed rails. Follow the care plan.
• Unscreen the person.
• Complete a safety check of the room.
• Discard the paper towels.
• Return the scale to its proper place.
• Practice hand hygiene.

Reporting/Recording

• Report and record your measurements.