CNA Module 7

International weights and measurements

Weight - gram (gm), kilogram (kg) Length - millimeter (mm), centimeter (cm), meter (M) Volume - milliliter (ml), liter (L)

Procedure for measuring a stooped, contracted, or in bed resident

- use a measuring tape -Measure all segments -Add all measurements together to find total height.

General guidelines when measuring volume, length, and weight

-Always use safety precautions for resident and self. Be familiar with how to use measuring equipment before the resident is involved (i.e. scales). Make sure equipment is functioning correctly. -Wash hands before, after, and as needed when doing any procedure. -Wear gloves when handling body fluids and dispose of fluids correctly. -Balance scale before assisting resident onto scale. -Have the resident urinate before weighing. -It is best to weigh resident at the same time of day, using the same scale, and with the same linen or similar clothing. -Know if resident is to be weighed with or without shoes. -Have at least one additional person helping when using mechanical lifts. -Clean equipment and return it to appropriate location. -Record findings on appropriate form(s). Report any changes in findings to appropriate person. -Be aware of how the resident tolerates the procedure.

Procedure for measuring a resident on an upright scale

-Assist the resident to remove their slippers. -Raise the height rod on the upright scale. -Assist the resident to stand on the scale platform, arms at sides. -Have the resident turn around and face away from the scale. -Lower the height measurement rod until it rests on resident's head. -Record the height. Reading is made at the moveable point of the ruler. -Assist resident off the platform and put slippers back on. -Record measurement using correct abbreviation for unit of measurement.

Military time (24 hour clock)

-Four digits. -No colons. -Do not use A.M. or P.M. -Starts one minute after midnight (0001) and ends at midnight 24 hours later (2400). -Noon is 1200.

Volume measuring equipment

-Graduated cylinders (metric and household) --- Marked with lines and numbers. Usually marked in ounces and milliliters. Measuring cups and spoons (household). Serving containers.

Procedure for measuring volume

-Pour liquid into graduate container. -Place container on flat surface. -Read at eye level. -Use measurement at lowest level of liquid surface. -Record measurement using correct abbreviation for unit of measurement.

Procedure for measuring weight on a standing scale

-Prior to beginning procedure, make sure the scale is balanced at zero. -Place paper towel on platform. -Help resident step onto center of the scale.Read the scale when in balance to the nearest quarter pound (or tenth of kilogram). -Help resident off the scale. -Clean and return equipment. -Record measurement using correct abbreviation for unit of measurement.

Weight measuring equipment

-Scales Marked in ounces, pounds, grams, and kilograms. Can be electronic or digital.

Types of scales

-Standing: Used for resident who can stand unassisted and not hold onto scale. Resident must be steady on feet. -Wheelchair: Used for resident who cannot stand unassisted. Weigh unoccupied wheelchair, then weigh resident in wheelchair and subtract wheelchair weight from total weight. - Mechanical lift: Cloth sling to hold resident and a hydraulic lift to raise and lower. Weigh sling and any linen first, then subtract sling/linens from total weight. -Bed scale: Used for resident who is on bed rest or unable to be in a chair or ambulate. Weigh any linens first then subtract linens from total weight. Resident's body must not be touching mattress. -- ----Chair-used for resident who cannot stand unassisted.

Length measuring equipment

-Yardstick. -Tape measure. -Standing scale with measuring roda. Marked in fractions of inches, feet. b. Marked in centimeters.

Weight (wt) conversion

1 Kg = 2.2 pounds (lb)

Length conversion

1 inch = 2.5 centimeters

Volume conversions

1ounce=30ml. 1cup=240ml=8oz. 1pint=500ml. 1quart=1000ml=1liter. 1 teaspoon (tsp.) = 5ml. 1 tablespoon (Tbsp.) = 15 ml.

Standard time

A.M. = morning, midnight to noon. P.M. = evening, noon to midnight.

U.S. Customary weights and measurements

Weight - ounce (oz.) and pound (lb.) Length - inch (in), feet (ft.), yard (yd.), mile (mi) Volume - fluid ounce (fl oz.), pint (pt.), quart (qt), gallon (gal), teaspoon (tsp.), tablespoon (Tbsp.)