How to Read a Weight Scale:

The nursing care plan will tell you how often a patient’s height and weight should be taken. You can also ask your charge nurse at any time to see if it’s needed.

Supplies:

• Scale

• Recording Sheet

• Chair

Steps:

1. Wash your hands

2. Provide privacy for the patient by pulling the curtain closed

3. Ask the patient if they are dizzy, if so give them a moment to rest and offer a glass of water

4. If they are not dizzy ask them to stand, hold onto one arm, and assist if needed

5. Assist with walking to scale (continue to check in on their movements and balance)

6. Pause in front of scale

7. Zero out the scale

8. Assist the patient as they step up onto the scale

9. Weigh the patient

10. Assist them off the scale and back to the chair, making sure they’re not dizzy or off-balance

11. Record the patient’s weight on the sheet provided

12. Clear the scale so it’s ready for the next patient because a patient’s weight is considered private information

13. Wash hands, place the call light in the patient’s hand and pull the curtain closed

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