Measuring Height

Accurate height measurement is used to calculate BMI, medication dosing, and monitor growth or bone loss in residents.

14 steps·5 evaluator checkpoints·5 common mistakes

1Step-by-Step Procedure

1
Gather equipment: upright scale with height rod, or wall-mounted height gauge, and paper towel.
2
Wash hands.
3
Identify the resident and explain the procedure.
4
Raise the height rod above the estimated height of the resident.
5
Ask the resident to remove shoes and any hair accessories that add height.
6
Place a paper towel on the scale platform or floor position.
7
Assist the resident to step onto the platform and stand with their back toward the measuring rod.
8
Instruct the resident to stand straight with heels together, head upright, eyes looking forward (Frankfort horizontal plane).
9
Gently lower the height rod until it rests flat on the top of the resident's head.
10
Read the measurement at eye level on the scale.
11
Assist the resident safely off the platform.
12
Remove the paper towel and discard.
13
Record the height accurately, noting units (inches, feet/inches, or centimeters).
14
Wash hands and document.

⚠
Allowing the resident to keep shoes on — this inflates the measurement.
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Reading the scale from an angle, causing parallax error.
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Not ensuring the resident stands straight; slouching gives falsely short measurements.
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Allowing the height rod to tilt rather than rest flat on the head.
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Forgetting to record the measurement immediately.

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Always remove shoes before measuring.
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Get down to eye level with the measuring mark to read it accurately.
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Ensure the resident stands fully upright — a gentle verbal reminder is usually enough.
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Height measurement is often paired with weight on the same visit.

Also study the written exam topics

Physical Care Skills makes up 45% of the written exam — the same procedures you just reviewed will appear as multiple-choice questions.

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