Vital Signs, Height, and Weight 373 Practicing Safety Always be aware of safety issues when measuring a resident’s height and weight, particularly if a resident is frail or has problems with fainting or dizziness. Pay attention to infection control by washing your hands before and after these procedures. Document each procedure accurately and in a timely fashion. Notify the licensed nursing staff if there are any irregularities with your measurements. 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 her 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. 8. Bring the necessary equipment into the room. Place the following items in an easy-to-reach place: • a bed scale with the appropriate sling and attachments • a pen and pad, form, or digital device for recording the weight 9. You will need another person to assist in this measurement. Ask a coworker to help. The Procedure 10. Provide privacy by closing the curtains, using a screen, or closing the door to the room. 11. Lock the bed wheels and then raise the bed to hip level. 12. Maintain safety during the procedure. If there are side rails, raise and lock the rails on the opposite side of the bed from where you will be working. Lower the rail on the side you are working. 13. To be sure the measurement is accurate, balance the bed scale with the sling attached following the manufacturer’s instructions. 14. Help the resident roll to one side. Position the sling beneath the resident’s body lengthwise behind the shoulders, thighs, and buttocks. Be sure the sling is smooth. 15. Roll the resident back onto the sling and ensure the sling is correctly positioned under the shoulders, thighs, and buttocks. 16. Center the bed scale over the bed. Carefully lower the weighting arms of the scale and attach them securely to the sling bars. 17. Instruct the resident to keep her arms to her sides while she is being weighed. 18. Raise the sling so the resident’s body and the sling hang freely over the bed (Figure 16.34). Figure 16.34 19. Adjust the weights until the balance bar hangs freely on the end or read the digital display screen. 20. Document the weight on a pad, on a form, or in the electronic record. 21. Lower the resident back onto the bed and remove the sling. 22. Check to be sure the bed wheels are locked, then reposition the resident and lower the bed. 23. Follow the plan of care to determine if the side rails should be raised or lowered. Follow-Up 24. Wash your hands to ensure infection control. 25. Make sure the resident is comfortable and place the call light and personal items within reach. 26. Conduct a safety check before leaving the room. The room should be clean and free from clutter or spills. 27. Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer before leaving the room. Reporting and Documentation 28. Report any specific observations, complications, or unusual responses to the licensed nursing staff. Image courtesy of Amélie Benoist/Science Source Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.