Measuring Height for Ambulatory Residents
Key Points
- Height measurement accuracy depends on upright alignment, chin position, and proper stadiometer-arm placement.
- Mobility safety measures include nonskid footwear, gait-belt use when indicated, and wheelchair brake control.
- Height must be documented promptly and abnormal findings reported to the nurse.
Equipment
- Stadiometer
- Gait belt
- Nonskid footwear (resident)
- Hand hygiene supplies
Procedure Steps
- Perform routine pre-procedure actions: knock, identify resident, explain procedure, provide privacy, and perform hand hygiene.
- Ensure resident wears nonskid footwear.
- Apply gait belt if indicated by care plan.
- If resident is in wheelchair, assist to stadiometer area and lock wheelchair brakes.
- Assist resident to stand and step to stadiometer safely.
- Position resident facing away from wall support with back near stadiometer surface.
- Instruct resident to look forward with chin up and body as upright as possible.
- Lower stadiometer headpiece gently to top of head and read measurement.
- Raise headpiece and assist resident back to wheelchair or seat.
- Remove gait belt if used and unlock wheelchair brakes only after resident is safely seated.
- Complete post-procedure safety (comfort check, bed low/locked if returning to bed, call light reachable) and perform hand hygiene.
- Document height and report abnormal findings to nurse.
Common Errors
- Measuring with poor posture or flexed knees → falsely low height reading.
- Lowering headpiece with excessive force → resident discomfort and inaccurate result.
- Inadequate transfer support for unstable resident → increased fall risk.
- Missing immediate charting of measured value → loss of baseline reliability.
Related
- measuring-weight-for-ambulatory-residents - Height and weight are commonly collected together for baseline assessment.
- body-mechanics-and-safe-equipment-use - Safe assist techniques reduce resident and caregiver injury risk.