Measuring Height and Weight

One of the tasks of the Health Care Assistant  may be to measure the client’s height and/or weight on a regular basis. This helps to determine if the client is maintaining an adequate weight. Some clients may be on a special diet to lose weight, while others are prescribed diets to help them gain weight. Clients with conditions such as kidney or heart failure may have to be weighed on a daily basis in order to measure if the patient is retaining fluid. Retaining fluid can lead to a worsening of their health condition.

Accuracy is important when weighing a client. Always ensure the scale is balanced to zero before weighing a client. When weighing a client, Health Care Assistants should encourage them to empty their bladder and bowels first. Weigh them first thing in the morning, and while they are wearing light clothing, such as pajamas. Shoes or slippers can have an effect on weight and height. 

Depending on the patient’s mobility, they may have a bed scale, chair scale, balance scale, or bathroom scale. Learn how to properly use each type of scale. It is important to ensure the safety of the patient while weighing them. If a patient appears unsteady and unable to stand in order to be weighed, inform the supervisor.

Remember too that people may be sensitive about their weight. Never chastise (scold) or be judgmental toward a person about their weight. Maintain privacy while weighing a client and do not disclose a client’s weight to others outside of the healthcare team, unless the client states it is okay.

Types of Scales:

• Bed scale (the patient is weighed while in bed)
• Chair scale (the patient sits while being weighed)
• Balance scale (the type found in a doctor’s office)
• Bathroom scale (digital or standard)

Procedure: Weighing a Client Using a Balance or Bathroom Scale

Step	Action	Rationale
1	Check the client’s care plan.	This ensures the HCA has accurate information about the client.
2	Explain the procedure to the client.	Client’s have a right to information about their care.
3	Wash your hands. Don gloves as needed.	Following Routine Practices prevents the spread of pathogens
4	Check that the scale is at “0”. Readjust if it is not.	This ensure the accuracy of the measurement.
5	Assist the client to the scale.
6	Provide support while the client steadies themselves.	Ensures safety of the client.
7	Note the weight once the dial stops moving.
8	Assist the client off the scale and safely back into a chair or bed.
9	Wash hands.	Following Routine Practices prevents the spread of pathogens
10	Record weight and any problems observed that the client may have had getting onto or off of the scale.	Timely and accurate documentation promotes client safety.
11	Report any changes in condition or behavior (such as an increase or decrease in weight).	Timely and accurate documentation promotes client safety.
12	Store the scale in a safe place.	Ensures a clutter free, safe environment

Procedure: Weighing a Client’s Height in Bed

Step	Action	Rationale
1	Check the client’s care plan.	This ensures the HCA has accurate information about the client.
2	Explain the procedure to the client.	Client’s have a right to information about their care.
3	Wash your hands. Don gloves as needed.	Following Routine Practices prevents the spread of pathogens
4	Gather Supplies needed: Measuring tape and ruler, notepad and pen	Organization ensures efficiency of procedure
5	Assist the client into the supine position if able.	This ensures an accurate measurement
6	Have an assistant hold the end of the measuring tape at the client’s heel.	This ensures an accurate measurement
7	Pull the measuring tape alongside the client’s body until it extends past the head.	This helps measure the client’s height as if the person were standing.
8	Place the ruler flat across the top of the client’s head. It should extend from the client’s head to the measuring tape. Make sure the ruler is level.	If the ruler is not flat, the measurement will not be accurate.
9	Record the height on your notepad or assignment sheet. This ensures accurate recording of the height when transferring the information to the client’s record.	This ensures accurate recording of the height when transferring the information to the client’s record.
10	Ensure client is comfortable and provide call bell.	Ensures client safety
11	Return equipment to proper location.	Ensures a clutter free, safe environment
12	Wash hands	Following Routine Practices prevents the spread of pathogens
13	Report and Record the height and your observations.	Timely and accurate documentation promotes client safety.

(Data Source: Wilk, 2022).

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a standardized reference range that is used to analyze a client’s weight status and provides a representation of body fat. However, it is important to note that BMI may not be accurate for athletes with increased muscle mass, people with edema or dehydration, or older adults who have lost a significant amount of muscle mass. See a BMI table in Figure 9.11.1

BMI can also be calculated using the formula of BMI = kg / m2 (weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared).

The following classifications are used based on a person’s BMI:

• Underweight: Below 18.5 kg / m2
• Healthy weight: 18.6 to 24.9 kg / m2
• Overweight: 25 to 29.9 kg / m2
• Obesity: Over 30 kg / m2 to 34.9 kg / m2
• Extreme obesity: Over 35 kg / m2

 

 

 

 

 

Image Attributions

Unit 9.1

N/A

Unit 9.2

N/A

Unit 9.3

Figure 9.3.1 Oxygen flow meter by Stephen Andrews is licensed under Pexels 

Figure 9.3.2 Portable oxygen tank by The U.S. food and Drug Administration is in the Public Domain

Figure 9.3.3 Oxygen concentrator by BrokenSphere is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0

Figure 9.3.4 Applying a nasal cannula  can’t find

Figure 9.3.5 Nasal cannula by BruceBlaus is licensed under CC-BY-SA 4.0

Figure 9.3.6 Simple face mask by James Heilman, MD is licensed under CC-BY-SA 4.0

Figure 9.3.7 Non rebreather mask  by James Heilman, MD is licensed under CC-BY-SA 4.0

Figure 9.3.8 Face tent from clinical procedure for safer patient care 

Figure 9.3.9 Venturi mask from clinical procedures 

Figure 9.3.10 Nebulizer by James Heilman, MD is licensed under CC-BY-SA 4.0

Figure 9.3.11 High flow nasal cannula by Strangecow is licensed under CC0 1.0 

Unit 9.4

Figure 9.4.1 CPAP machine by https://www.myupchar.com/en is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

Unit 9.5

N/A

Unit 9.6

Figure 9.6.1 Location of hypothalamus within the brain by BruceBlaus is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

Figure 9.6.2 Oral thermometer

Figure 9.6.3 Oral temperature being taken.

Figure 9.6.4 Tympanic thermometer.

Figure 9.6.5 Tympanic temperature being taken.

Figure 9.6.6 Axillary temperature being taken.

Figure 9.6.7 Rectal thermometer.

Unit 9.7

Figure 9.7.1 Radial, brachial, carotid and apical pulse. (Illustration credit: Hilary Tang)

Figure 9.7.2 Correct placement of fingers.

Unit 9.8

Figure 9.8.1 Tripod position after running by Rennet Stowe is licensed under  CC BY-2.0 

Figure 9.8.2 Signs of respiratory distress. (Illustration credit: Paige Jones)

Unit 9.9

Figure 9.9.1 Pulse oximeter with sensor taped around finger.

Figure 9.9.2 Pulse oximeter with device across forehead.

Figure 9.9.3 Measuring oxygen saturation.

Unit 9.10

Figure 9.10.1 Varying blood pressure cuff sizes.

Figure 9.10.2 Blood pressure cuff with a sphygmomanometer and a stethoscope.

Figure 9.10.3 Automatic blood pressure cuff.

Unit 9.11

Figure 9.11.1 Body Mass Index by LaurensvanLieshout is used under a CC BY-SA 3.0 license. 

References 

Fisher & Paykel Health Care. (2018). Optiflow™ provides respiratory support via nasal cannula. Retrieved from https://www.fphcare.com/nz/hospital/adult-respiratory/optiflow/mechanisms-of-action/.

Leduc, D., & Woods, S., (2017). Canadian Paediatric Society Position Statement: Temperature measurement in paediatrics. Retrieved from: http://www.cps.ca/en/documents/position/temperature-measurement

Mazerolle, S., Ganio, M., Casa, D., Vingren, J., & Klau, J. (2011). Is oral temperature an accurate measurement of deep body temperature? A systematic review. Journal of Athletic Training, 46(5), 566–573.

O’Driscoll, B. R., Howard, L. S., & Davison, A. G. (2008). Guideline for emergency oxygen use in adult patients. Thorax, 63(6). Retrieved from https://thorax.bmj.com/content/63/Suppl_6/vi1.

Perry, A. G., Potter, P. A., & Ostendorf, W. R. (2018). Clinical nursing skills & techniques (9th ed.). St. Louis: Elsevier-Mosby.

Wilk, M. (2022). Sorrentino’s Canadian textbook for the support worker. (5th Can. Ed).
Toronto, ON: Elsevier Canada