Vital Signs, Height, and Weight 371 8. Ambulatory residents can walk to a scale placed in a central location within the facility. Bring the following items to the scale: • paper towel • a pen and pad, form, or digital device for documenting the height and weight The Procedure 9. Provide privacy by closing the curtains, using a screen, or closing the door to the room. 10. Place a paper towel on the scale platform. 11. Raise the height bar above the level of the resident’s head. 12. Help the resident remove her shoes or slippers and stand on the scale platform. 13. Ask the resident to stand up straight on the center of the scale with arms and hands down at her sides. 14. Lift the height bar, extend the arm, and then lower the arm until it rests on top of the resident’s head (Figure 16.31). Figure 16.31 15. Read the height at the movable part of the ruler (Figure 16.32). Figure 16.32 16. Document the height on a pad, on a form, or in the electronic record. 17. Raise the height bar above the level of the resident’s head. When it reaches a safe height, lower the arm and then return the height bar to its starting point. 18. Ask the resident to stand straight again with arms and hands at her sides. 19. Move the weights on the balanced scale bar to zero. 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 16.33). Figure 16.33 22. Document 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. Report any specific observations, complications, or unusual responses to the licensed nursing staff. Figure 16.31 michaeljung/Shutterstock.com Figure 16.32 iStock.com/Paolo_Toffanin Figure 16.33 iStock.com/inhauscreative Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.