Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Chapter 18 Vital Signs, Height, and Weight 483 20. Move the lower and upper weights until the balance pointer is in the middle. Best Practice Move the large weight 50 pounds at a time until the weight bar falls. Then back the large weight up 50 pounds. Finally, move the small weight until the scale is balanced. 21. Add the amounts shown on the two bars together to determine the resident’s weight (Figure 18.39). Figure 18.39 22. Record the weight on a pad, on a form, or in the electronic record. 23. Help the resident step off the scale platform. 24. Assist the resident in putting on her shoes or slippers. 25. Remove and discard the paper towel from the scale platform. 26. Assist the resident safely back to her room or bed. 27. If the resident is in bed, check to be sure the bed wheels are locked. Then reposition the resident and lower the bed. 28. Follow the plan of care to determine if the side rails should be raised or lowered. Follow-Up 29. Wash your hands to ensure infection control. 30. Make sure the resident is comfortable and place the call light and personal items within reach. 31. Conduct a safety check before leaving the room. The room should be clean and free from clutter or spills. 32. Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer before leaving the room. Reporting and Documentation 33. Communicate any specific observations, complications, or unusual responses to the licensed nursing staff. Figure 18.37 michaeljung/Shutterstock.com Figure 18.38 iStock.com/Paolo_Toffanin Figure 18.39 iStock.com/inhauscreative Rationale Height measurements must be accurate for bedridden residents. The height measurement may be used when calculating medication dosages and assessing a resident’s nutritional needs. Preparation 1. Ask the licensed nursing staff how this procedure fits into the plan of care, if there are doctor’s orders for the procedure, if there are any special instructions or precautions, and if the resident can be moved into the positions required for this procedure. 2. Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer before entering the room. 3. Knock before entering the room. 4. Introduce yourself using your full name and title. Explain that you work with the licensed nursing staff and will be providing care. 5. Greet the resident and ask the resident to state his full name, if able. Then check the resident’s identification bracelet. 6. Use Mr., Mrs., or Ms. and the last name when conversing. 7. Explain the procedure in simple terms, even if the resident is not able to communicate or is disoriented. Ask permission to perform the procedure. (continued) Measuring the Height of Bedridden Residents Procedure