Weight

Question 1

List the steps of the Weight procedure

Answer 1

1. Do the initial steps procedure.
2. Balance the scale.
3. Depending on the scale used, assist the resident to stand on the platform, or sit in the chair with feet on the footrest, or transport the wheelchair onto the scale and lock the brakes.
4. When using a standard scale, lower the weight to the fifty pound mark. Move the upper weight to the pound mark that balances the pointer in the middle of the square. Add lower and upper marks. When using a digital scale, press the weight button and wait until the numbers remain constant.
5. Subtract the weight of the wheelchair from the total weight, if applicable.
6. Accurately record the resident’s weight.
7. Do the final steps procedure.
8. Report any unusual finding to the nurse.

Question 2

What is the rationale for step “2. Balance the scale.”?

Answer 2

Scale must be balanced on zero for weight to be accurate.

Question 3

What is the rationale for step “3. Depending on the scale used, assist the resident to stand on the platform, or sit in the chair with feet on the footrest, or transport the wheelchair onto the scale and lock the brakes”?

Answer 3

When using a chair scale, if the resident has their feet on the floor the weight will not be accurate. Wheel locks prevent the chair from moving when using the wheelchair scale.

Question 4

What is the rationale for step “4. When using a standard scale, lower the weight to the fifty pound mark. Move the upper weight to the pound mark that balances the pointer in the middle of the square. Add lower and upper marks. When using a digital scale, press the weight button and wait until the numbers remain constant.”?

Answer 4

When the arm drops, the weight is too high. When the pointer is suspended, the weight is accurate.

Question 5

What is the rationale for step “5. Subtract the weight of the wheelchair from the total weight, if applicable.”?

Answer 5

The total gives the accurate weight.

Question 6

What is the rationale for step “6. Accurately record the resident’s weight.”?

Answer 6

Record the weight immediately so you won’t forget. Weight changes are an indicator of the resident’s condition. Accuracy is necessary because decisions regarding the resident’s care may be based on your report. What you write is a legal record of what you did. If you don’t document it, legally, it didn’t happen.

Question 7

What is the rationale for step “8. Report any unusual finding to the nurse.”?

Answer 7

Provides the nurse with the information to assess the resident’s condition and needs.