This is the process of assessing the weight of a child with the aid of a standard scale. There are different scales used to measure the weight of children of different ages.
Aims
· Monitor growth and development
· Assess nutritional status
· Identify underlying medical conditions
Requirements
a. Age-appropriate weighing scale
b. Tape measure
c. MUAC tape
d. Stadiometer/infantometer
e. Alcohol rub
f. Child health record card/medical record
g. Pen
h. Percentile/standard deviation charts
i. Disinfectant
j. Examination gloves
k. Cotton swabs
Steps
1. Receive child/care into a comfortable seat
2. Perform five moments of hand hygiene as and when necessary
3. Establish rapport (refer steps)
4. Explain procedure to child/caregiver (refer steps)
5. Provide privacy
6. Incorporate developmentally appropriate strategies in dealing with the child
7. Assist caregiver to remove the child’s diaper and clothing and other accessories (completely undress if the weather is conducive and it is culturally acceptable)
8. Assist child/caregiver to remove outer clothing and footwear
9. Calm the child down if agitated
10. Place scale on a hard, flat surface free from obstruction
11. Adjust the weighing scale to zero
12. Support the child to step and stand in the center of the scale
13. Assist child to stand straight with head aligned without holding onto any object or person
14. Read the child’s weight to the nearest 0.1 kg (100 g) when the weight reading is stable
15. Record the weight in the child health record card/medical record
16. Assist the child to step out of the scale
17. Support caregiver/child to dress up
18. Assist caregiver to dress child to promote warmth
19. Express appreciation to child/caregiver for their cooperation
20. Encourage follow up/refer if necessary/home visits as appropriate
21. Disposed off, disinfect and clean used items
22. Document procedure in nurse’s notes
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