Limb girth Measurements

Question 1

What is the purpose of the technique i.e. what are you measuring and why?

Answer 1

Upper or lower limb
To assess muscle atrophy or hypertrophy
Monitor lymphoedema

Question 2

How do you know whether the measurement is normal?

Answer 2

Compare measurements to non-affected side

Question 3

What principles are used in carrying out (application) the technique?

Answer 3

1) Explain procedure & informed consent
2) Ensure patient is safe comfortable and in an appropriate starting position
3) Ensure the tape measure isn’t stretched
4) The muscle must be relaxed
5) Keep the tape measure straight
6) Measure consistently – top/ bottom of tape, measure in inches or centimetres
7) Measure 3 times and take the average
8) Measure each side (to compare
9) Check for adverse affects and doccument

Question 4

What structures/processes are being assessed?

Answer 4

Soft tissue : muscle

Question 5

Precautions
/ contraindications

Answer 5

Pain
Swelling
Skin conditions

Question 6

What would you include in documentation?

Answer 6

Date, Time, Patient name
Explanation of procedure & gaining informed consent
Exact descriptions of where you measured to and from, the average measurement for each and the same for that of the unaffected limb
Adverse effects?
Sign

Question 7

How would you measure thigh girth?
(Position, markers & method)

Answer 7

Position: Half-lying, well supported. The knees are extended and the thigh muscles relaxed.

Markers: 15 cm, 20 cm, 25 cm above the distal end of
the tibial tuberosity.

Method: Encircle the limb with a tape measure at each point and record the circumferential measurements (x3 & take average).
Repeat the procedure on the other limb.

Question 8

How would you measure calf girth?
(Position, markers & method)

Answer 8

Position: Half-lying position

Markers: 2 or 3 points (depends on patient proportions) – 5 cm, 10 cm, (and 15 cm) below the distal end of the tibial tuberosity.

Method: Encircle the limb with a tape measure at each point and record the circumferential measurements (x3 & take average).
Repeat the procedure on the other limb.

Question 9

How would you measure upper limb girth?
(Position, markers & method)

Answer 9

Position: sitting

Markers: 4cm intervals from marked point on olecranon

Method: Encircle the limb with a tape measure at each point and record the circumferential measurements (x3 & take average).
Repeat the procedure on the other limb.