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7.11: Skills Checklist- Measuring Height for Ambulatory Residents

  • Page ID
    70383
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    1. Gather Supplies: Gait belt and stadiometer

    2. Routine Pre-Procedure Steps:

      • Knock on the client’s door.
      • Perform hand hygiene.
      • Introduce yourself and identify the resident.
      • Maintain respectful, courteous, and professional communication at all times.
      • Provide for privacy.
      • Explain the procedure to the client.

    3. Procedure Steps:

      • Put nonskid footwear on the resident.
      • Apply a gait belt if indicated on the care plan.
      • If the resident is in a wheelchair, assist the resident to the stadiometer and lock the brakes.
      • Assist the resident to stand and walk to the stadiometer.
      • Slowly turn the resident so their back is near the stadiometer and they are facing away from the supporting wall.
      • Instruct the resident to look forward and keep their chin up.
      • Gently lower the stadiometer arm to the top of the resident’s head.
      • Note the measurement.
      • Raise the stadiometer arm.
      • Assist the resident back to the wheelchair if used.
      • Remove the gait belt if it was applied.
      • Unlock the brakes if the resident is seated in a wheelchair.

    4. Post-Procedure Steps:

      • Check on resident comfort and ask if anything else is needed.
      • Ensure the bed is low and locked. Check the brakes.
      • Place the call light or signaling device within reach of the resident.
      • Open the door and privacy curtain.
      • Perform hand hygiene.
      • Document height and report abnormal findings to the nurse.

    View a YouTube video[1] of an instructor demonstration of measuring height:

     


    1. Chippewa Valley Technical College. (2022, December 3). Measuring Height. [Video]. YouTube. Video licensed under CC BY 4.0. https://youtu.be/T_h4uMnh3UA

    This page titled 7.11: Skills Checklist- Measuring Height for Ambulatory Residents is shared under a CC BY 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Myra Sandquist Reuter via source content that was edited to the style and standards of the LibreTexts platform; a detailed edit history is available upon request.