skip to content
   

pretest

introduction

measurement technique

assessment guidelines

influence of special health care needs

making clinical decisions

posttest

for more information
 

Weight

Children over the age of 2 years, who are cooperative and able to stand alone should be weighed using a platform scale.

1

Equipment:
Use a calibrated beam balance scale or a digital scale with "strain gauge" mechanism that is accurate to 100 grams or 1/4 pound. A spring-type bathroom scale should NOT be used... with repeated use, it will not maintain the necessary degree of accuracy.

child weight measurement
2 Child and Positioning:
Bulky clothing, outer clothing, and shoes should be removed. (It is best if clothing is standardized; some clinicians have children wear a paper gown for weight measurements.) The child should be centered on the scale's platform, touching nothing.
3 Measurement:
Record the measurement to the nearest 100 grams or 1/4 pound and record any conditions that might have interfered with an accurate weight (e.g., child was moving).
   
backnext
    Glossary | Module Index | Home