480 The Nursing Assistant Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Objectives To provide the best possible care, you must understand how to measure height and weight accurately and effectively for ambulatory, wheelchair-bound, and bedridden residents. These skills provide essential information for monitoring a resident’s condition. To achieve the objectives for this section, you must successfully • describe why height and weight measurements are important to know when providing care and • demonstrate the skills needed to measure height and weight accurately and effectively for ambulatory, wheelchair-bound, and bedridden residents. Key Terms Learn these key terms to better understand the information presented in the section. body mass index (BMI) ideal body weight (IBW) malnutrition Why Is It Important to Measure Height and Weight? Height and weight are usually measured on admission to a healthcare facility, during a resident’s stay, and during a patient visit to a doctor’s office. The frequency of these measurements (daily, weekly, or monthly) depends on doctors’ orders for a health condition or disease. For example, a resident with kidney disease or conges- tive heart failure (CHF) may need to be weighed daily to help determine if he or she has edema (retention of fluid in the body tissues). If a patient is admitted to a healthcare facility, the facility’s policy will also dictate how often measurements are taken. A baseline height and weight measurement is also usually taken. Height and weight measurements enable healthcare staff to monitor a resident’s health and determine nutritional status and medication dosages. The relationship between height and weight is also important because it can indicate a resident’s overall health status. Height and weight are used to calculate ideal body weight (IBW) and body mass index (BMI). Ideal body weight (IBW) is the healthiest weight for an individual. Body mass index (BMI) is a number that determines whether a resident is a healthy weight, overweight, or underweight. This number is calculated by dividing weight in kilograms (kg) by height in meters (m) squared. These calcu- lations help a doctor plan calorie intake, protein, and fluid needs for a resident. Measuring Height Height can be measured in two ways. If a resident is able to walk, you can use an upright, balance scale to measure height. If a resident is bedridden, you will need to use a tape measure. Height should be recorded in feet (′) and inches (″) or in centi- meters (cm), depending on facility policy. If a resident is able to walk, have the resident stand very straight on the center of the scale with arms and hands down at his or her sides. Lower the height bar until it rests on the top of the head. Read the height at the movable part of the ruler. Measuring and Recording Height and Weight 18.2 Questions to Consider • How often do you weigh yourself? Are you happy with your weight? If you are not, what changes would you like to make? How would you go about making these changes? • Do you keep track of your height? For what reasons do you measure your weight and height?