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
· Age-appropriate weighing scale
· Tape measure
· MUAC tape
· Stadiometer/infantometer
· Alcohol rub
· Child health record card/medical record
· Pen
· Percentile/standard deviation charts
· Disinfectant
· Examination gloves
· 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. Calm the child down if agitated
9. Place scale on a firm, unobstructed, flat surface
10. Adjust scale to zero
11. Place the child in a supine position (lying face upwards) on the weighing scale
12. Remain next to and facing the child at all time together with 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. Disinfect the scale.
18. Express appreciation to child/caregiver for their cooperation
19. Encourage follow up/refer if necessary/home visits as appropriate
20. Document procedure in nurse’s notes
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