7.11 Skills Checklist: Measuring Height for Ambulatory Residents
1. Gather Supplies: Gait belt and stadiometer
2. Routine Pre-Procedure Steps:
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- 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:
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- 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:
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- 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:
- Chippewa Valley Technical College. (2022, December 3). Measuring Height. [Video]. YouTube. Video licensed under CC BY 4.0. https://youtu.be/T_h4uMnh3UA ↵