Weighing Patients

Question 1

Weighing Patients

Answer 1

It is important to weigh patients accurately because weight determines many treatments and medication dosages. For patients who have heart failure, an increase of a few pounds can be significant. Become familiar with the scales in your facility. You might use an upright (electronic or mechanical), bed, chair, or sling scale. Make sure the scale is set to zero prior to use. Ensure safety by eliminating tripping hazards near the scale. Encourage patients to use safety features such as ramps and handrails to get on and off the scale.

Question 2

Weighing Patients

Answer 2

When using a mechanical scale, start by moving all of the weights to the left side of the balance bar. Check that the balance bar pointer is centered in the middle of the balance frame. Assist the patient with the scale. Slide the large weight on the bottom to the groove closest to but still lower than the patient’s estimated weight. Then move the smaller weight on the top to the right until the balance bar pointer is floating in the center of the balance frame. Now record the patient’s weight.

Question 3

Weighing Patients

Answer 3

If the patient is in a wheelchair and you are using a chair scale, Wheel the patient onto the scale and subtract the weight of the wheelchair before recording the patient’s weight

Question 4

Weighing Patients

Answer 4

Bed and sling scales vary by facility. Seek training on their use before operating them. When weighing a patient using an in-bed scale, subtract the weight of the bedding and equipment (such as a portable heart monitor in the bed. Explain the procedure to the patient and assure them that is safe. Ensure that all connections are secure before raising the patients for the weight measurement