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/caregiver 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 caregiver to wear the child the weighing pant
9. Adjust the pointer of the scale to zero level
10. Calm the child down if agitated
11. Hang the child in the weighing pants from the lower hook of the scale
12. Ensure the child is freely hanging without holding onto anything or caregiver
13. Read the child’s weight to the nearest 0.1 kg (100 g) when the weight reading is stable
14. Record the weight in the child health record card/medical record
15. Remove child from weighing scale and hand over child to caregiver
16. Assist caregiver to dress child to promote warmth
17. Express appreciation to child/caregiver for their cooperation
18. Encourage follow up/refer if necessary/home visits as appropriate
19. Disposed off, disinfect and clean used items
20. Document procedure in nurse’s notes
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