CNA Certification (Written Exam)Basic Nursing SkillsEasy
A nurse aide is asked to weigh a resident who is unable to stand. Which of the following methods should the nurse aide use?
- AUse a bed scale or chair scale.
- BWeigh the resident while they are being held by another staff member.
- CEstimate the resident's weight by observation.
- DAsk a family member for the resident's last known weight.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Use a bed scale or chair scale.
For residents unable to stand, specialized scales like bed scales or chair scales are used to obtain an accurate weight measurement. This ensures safety and precision in monitoring the resident's health.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Weighing a resident while being held is unsafe and provides an inaccurate measurement.
- C. Estimating weight is inaccurate and not a valid method for medical purposes.
- D. Last known weight or family recall may not be current or accurate for medical tracking.
Weight Measurement for Non-Ambulatory Residents
Accurately measuring the weight of residents who cannot stand requires specialized equipment like bed scales or chair scales to ensure safety and precision in health monitoring.
- Essential for tracking fluid balance and nutritional status.
- Requires specific equipment for non-ambulatory individuals.
- Ensures resident safety during the weighing process.
Memory trick: Scales for all, big or small, to stand or fall.