Procedure steps for measuring height and weight

BMI formula

-multiply the patient's weight in pounds by 703 -divide this total by the patient's height in inches -divide this total by the patient's height in inches again and then round to the nearest whole number

Step 3

Explain the rational for performance of the procedure, and instruct the patient to remove shoes and any heavy clothing

Step 2

Identify patient and introduce yourself

Step 12

Lower measuring bar to its original position and return the weight to 0

Step 9

Lower measuring bar until firmly resting on top of patients head; measure from top of head, not hair

Step 6

Move the lower weight bar (measured in 50 pound increments) to the estimated number and slowly slide the upper bar until the balance beam point is centered

Body Mass Index (BMI)

Numerical correlation between patients height and weight

Step 4

Place a paper towel on the scale platform

Step 8

Raise the measuring bar beyond the patients height and lift the extension

Step 11

Read line where measurement falls. Round to the nearest 1/4 inch

Step 7

Read the weight by adding the upper bar measurement to the lower bar measurement. Round to the nearest 1/4 pound

Step 1

Wash hands

Mensuration

process of measuring; such as height, weight, length of extremities, circumference of head, chest, or abdomen with infants

Step 10

Assist patient off the scale and allow the patient to sit and put on shoes; help patient off the scale and discard the paper towel

Step 5

Assist patient to the center of the scale; incorporate critical thinking skills when performing patient assessment and care

Step 13

Document in the patients chart; record weight and height on the patients chart or in the EMR. Be sure to record whether the patient was wearing street clothes or a gown