Measuring Weight
Accurately measuring and recording a resident's weight is essential for monitoring health status and medication dosing.
1Step-by-Step Procedure
- 1
Gather equipment: upright balance scale or digital scale, paper towel.
- 2
Wash hands.
- 3
Introduce yourself, identify the resident by name, explain the procedure.
- 4
Place a paper towel on the scale platform.
- 5
Balance (zero) the scale before the resident steps on.
- 6
Assist the resident to remove shoes and any heavy outerwear.
- 7
Help the resident safely step onto the center of the scale platform.
- 8
Instruct the resident to stand still with feet flat and to avoid holding the handrail (or use it only lightly for balance as facility policy allows).
- 9
For a balance beam scale: move the large weight to the appropriate increment, then slide the small weight until the beam balances exactly in the middle.
- 10
For a digital scale: wait until the reading stabilizes.
- 11
Read the weight to the nearest quarter pound (or 0.1 kg for metric).
- 12
Help the resident safely step off the scale.
- 13
Remove the paper towel and discard.
- 14
Record the weight accurately on the chart or flow sheet.
- 15
Wash hands and report any significant weight change to the nurse.
What the Examiner Is Watching For
- ✓
Scale is balanced/zeroed before the resident steps on.
- ✓
Weight is read accurately after the resident is stable and still.
- ✓
Weight is recorded to the correct precision.
- ✓
Resident is assisted on and off the scale safely.
- ✓
Paper towel is placed on the scale platform.
Common Mistakes That Cause Failure
- ⚠
Forgetting to zero the scale before the resident steps on.
- ⚠
Reading the weight while the resident is still moving or unsteady.
- ⚠
Not recording the weight immediately after measurement.
- ⚠
Allowing the resident to step onto the scale unassisted if they are unsteady.
- ⚠
Forgetting to remove shoes and heavy outerwear before weighing.
Tips for Exam Day
- →
Zero the scale first — always, without exception.
- →
Have the resident stand still and centered; wait for the beam or display to stabilize.
- →
Write the weight down immediately — do not rely on memory.
- →
Offer your arm for support when the resident steps on and off the scale.
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.
Study Physical Care Guide →Also practice the written exam
Free practice questions with instant feedback and explanations.
Take a Practice Test →