Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Chapter 18 Vital Signs, Height, and Weight 481 If a resident is bedridden, use a tape measure. If allowed, have the resident lie on his or her back, as straight as possible with arms straight at the sides and legs extended. Straighten and tighten the bedsheet. With the help of another healthcare staff member, extend the tape measure along the resident’s side from the top of the head to the bottom of the heel (Figure 18.34). Measure the distance between the two points. Measuring Weight A resident’s weight is often used to calculate medi- cation dosage. As a result, accurate measurement is essential. Weight can also indicate certain conditions, such as malnutrition (poor nourishment) or edema. There are different ways of measuring weight. Weight can be measured using an upright balance or a digital scale for ambulatory residents (Figure 18.35). Chair and wheelchair scales may also be used. A hydraulic digital body lift or sling scale, a scale built into a bed, or a digital pad placed under the wheels of a bed can be used if a resident is bedridden (Figure 18.36). Weight should be measured at the same time each day. The resident should wear the same or similar clothing each time, and the same scale should be used, if possible. Be sure the resident has urinated before measurement. Always factor in additional items that may add weight, such as shoes, casts, catheters, colostomy bags, or other bodily devices. Weight can be measured when a resident is standing, sitting, or lying in bed. Weight should be measured in pounds (lbs) or in kilograms (kg), depending on facility policy. If using a balance or digital scale for a standing resident, have the resident stand straight on the center of the scale with arms and hands down at his or her sides. If using a balance scale, move the weights on the balanced scale bar to zero. Move the lower and upper weights until the balance pointer is in the middle. Add the amounts shown on the two bars together to determine weight. If using a lift or bed scale, be sure to follow the facility policy and instructions for the equipment. You will need another healthcare staff member to assist in this procedure. © Tori Soper Photography Figure 18.34 To measure the height of a bedridden resident, use a tape measure. Upper scale bar (1-pound and ¼-pound increments) Small weight Balance pointer Balance bar Lower scale bar (50-pound increments) Large weight Height scale Thinkstock/Stockbyte/Thinkstock Figure 18.35 A balance scale is used to measure weight. It can also measure height. DETECTO® www.Detecto.com Figure 18.36 This is an example of a bed scale that can be used to weigh bedridden residents.