This is the act of measuring the distance from the eyebrows to the occipital region with the aid of a non-stretching measuring tape. It is measured from birth up to 36 months and plotted on standardized growth chart at all visits. However, more than 3 years old child with any questionable head size should have the HC measured at every visit.
Aims
· Detect abnormal rate of development of the head
· Serve as indicators for assessing mental health status
· Provide an indicator for diagnosing tumour and institute/initiate adequate intervention
Requirements
· Non- flexible tape measure
· Alcohol rub
· Child health record card
· Pen/note pad
· Percentile/standard deviation chart
· Cotton wool swabs
· Disinfectant
· Examination gloves
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. Calm the child down if agitated
9. Position child in appropriate and comfortable position (a child under 2 years should be held in the mother’s laps)
10. Remove any headwear/accessories
11. Measure by using a flexible non-stretching measuring tape to wrap above the supra-orbital ridges and over the most prominent part of the occiput
12. Plot on a standardized growth chart
13. Express appreciation to child/caregiver for their cooperation
14. Encourage follow up/refer if necessary/home visits as appropriate
15. Document procedure in nurses’ notes
16. Disposed off, disinfect and clean used items
17. Encourage follow up/refer if necessary
18. Document procedure in nurse’s notes
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