Anthropometric Characteristics

Question 1

How does understanding anthropometric characteristics help us?

Answer 1

• It allows us to track change and see progression or decline with patients.
• They can be used to assess whether or not a treatment plan is working for a patient
• They can be used as red flags to catch more serious health problems.
• Specifically changes in weight can indicate a change in health status

Question 2

Why do we need to take these measurements?

Answer 2

It allows us to track information about our patients.

Question 3

Why do we need to be able to take these measurements?

Answer 3

• So that we can accurately collect the data when we need to
• Knowing how to accurately collect this information is important when more than one person is collecting the data (want to create good inter rater reliability)

Question 4

What are anthropometric characteristics?

Answer 4

They describe a persons body dimensions, or measurements of physical characteristics.

Question 5

Name some of the tools used to measure to measure anthropometric characteristics. (7)

Answer 5

Scale
Measuring tape
Ruler
Calipers
Photos
BMI
Palpation

Question 6

How do you measure leg length?

Why do we measure this?

Answer 6

MEASURE:

• From ASIS to bottom of Medial Malleolus
• Use measuring tape
• Record findings in cm

WHY:
We measure this to determine if the problem the patient is having could be corrected by an adjustment for leg length descrepancy

Question 7

Why do we measure girth?

What do we need to remember with these measurements?

Answer 7

WHY:
- To objectively see joint effusion, edema, muscle atrophy, and hypertrophy

REMEMBER:
- Must specify and document where there the measurement was taken so that if someone else sees the patient, the measurement can be taken as accurately as possible.

Question 8

Measuring height

Answer 8

• Pt stands straight, heels together, head looking straight ahead, no shoes
• Pt should stand against measuring stick up against a fixed, vertical, stable surface.
• Measure in feet and inches or in cm (cm preferred)

Question 9

Measuring weight

Answer 9

• Types of scales: standing, chair, bed
• Pt should be centered on the scale
• Document findings and specify units (kg or lbs)

Question 10

Discuss BMI

Answer 10

BMI classifies a persons weight and height relationship with respect to weight classifications.
- Underweight: BMI 30

Question 11

Discuss health consequences for overweight or obese individuals (9)

Answer 11

• Hypertension
• Dyslipidemia (cholesterol imbalance)
• Type 2 Diabetes
• Coronary Hearth Disease
• Stroke
• Gallbladder disease
• Osteoarthritis
• Sleep Apnea, respiratory probs
• Some cancers (endometrial, colon, breast)