Measuring Weight for Ambulatory Residents
Key Points
- Weight accuracy depends on scale zeroing, resident positioning, and elimination of external support.
- Mobility safety measures (nonskid footwear, gait belt, wheelchair brakes) prevent falls during transfer to scale.
- Weight results must be documented promptly and abnormal changes reported to the nurse.
Equipment
- Standing scale
- Gait belt
- Nonskid footwear (resident)
- Hand hygiene supplies
Procedure Steps
- Perform routine pre-procedure actions: knock, identify resident, explain procedure, ensure privacy, and perform hand hygiene.
- Verify resident has nonskid footwear before ambulation.
- Balance/zero the scale before resident steps on.
- If resident begins from wheelchair, lock wheelchair brakes before transfer.
- Assist resident to standing using gait belt as needed and escort to scale.
- Assist resident onto scale, centered, upright, with arms at sides.
- Confirm resident is not holding nearby supports that would alter measurement.
- Read final balanced scale value.
- Assist resident back to seated position safely; remove gait belt if used.
- Release wheelchair brakes only when transfer is complete and safe.
- Finish with post-procedure safety: comfort check, bed low/locked if returning to bed, call light within reach, hand hygiene.
- Document weight and report abnormal findings to nurse.
Common Errors
- Failing to zero scale before measurement → inaccurate baseline and trend data.
- Allowing resident to hold rails or objects → falsely low/variable weight reading.
- Skipping gait belt or brake checks in unstable residents → increased fall risk.
- Delayed charting of weight result → missed early fluid/nutrition deterioration cues.
Related
- body-mechanics-and-safe-equipment-use - Safe transfer mechanics protect resident and caregiver during weighing.
- documenting-and-reporting-data - Accurate time-stamped recording supports trend-based clinical decisions.