374 Chapter 16 HEALTHCARE SCENARIO Bed Scales A community hospital and health center recently purchased a new bed scale. Everyone is excited because the bed scale lets healthcare staff members easily weigh bedridden residents. The bed scale has a digital display, has a mat attached to the mattress, and is powered by a simple electrical cord. The bed scale can be left on the bed beneath the resident, if desired. Apply It 1. What is the most important step a nursing assistant should take when using a new piece of equipment? 2. List the safety concerns the nursing assistant should be aware of when using this equipment. 3. What actions should be taken to be sure the resident is comfortable during the procedure? SECTION 16.2 Review and Assessment Key Terms Mini Glossary body mass index (BMI) a number that uses height and weight to determine whether a person is a healthy weight, overweight, or underweight is determined by dividing weight in kilograms (kg) by height in meters (m) squared. ideal body weight (IBW) the healthiest weight for an individual is determined primarily by height, but also takes gender, age, build, and muscular development into account using adjusted statistical tables. malnutrition lack of proper nourishment due to inadequate or unbalanced intake of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients or due to the body’s inability to use nutrients. Applying the Key Terms Complete the following sentences using the key terms in this section. 1. A resident was not able to eat properly. He lacked proper nourishment and had an unbalanced intake of vitamins and minerals. The doctor was concerned that he had _____. 2. _____ uses height and weight to determine whether a person is a healthy weight, overweight, or underweight. 3. When a resident has the healthiest weight she can have for her age, gender, and muscular development, she has a(n) _____. Know and Understand the Facts 4. Describe one purpose of measuring height. 5. Describe one purpose of measuring weight. 6. What steps can be taken to make sure the resident is safe while using the bed scale? 7. What steps should be taken to be sure a resident’s weight is accurate? Analyze and Apply Concepts 8. What equipment should you assemble to measure the height of an ambulatory resident? 9. How do you measure weight using an upright, balance scale? 10. Explain how to measure the height of a bedridden resident. Think Critically Read the following care situation. Then answer the questions that follow. Jessica and Juana, two nursing assistants, have been asked to weigh Mr. G using a bed scale. Mr. G was just admitted, is in pain, and has never been weighed with a bed scale. He is very overweight and tells Jessica he is embarrassed about his recent weight gain. As Jessica and Juana start to position Mr. G, Mr. G starts to cry and moan and says he does not want to be weighed. 11. How could Jessica and Juana respond to Mr. G using holistic communication skills? 12. Which is the best action for Jessica and Juana to take? Should they weigh Mr. G no matter what he does or says? Should they come back later and weigh Mr. G when he calms down? Should they tell the licensed nursing staff? Explain your choice. Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.