Question

When preparing to measure the height and weight of a newly admitted patient, why would the nurse ask about the patient's ability to stand?

a. To determine if a wheelchair should be requested
b. To determine if the patient is steady enough to stand without assistance
c. To determines if a bed scale must be obtained to measure the patient's weight
d. To establish how much help the patient will need with personal care

Answer 1

A nurse asks about a patient's ability to stand to determine if they can safely be measured on a scale without assistance; a wide stance or the need for support may indicate balance issues.

Step-by-step explanation:

When preparing to measure the height and weight of a newly admitted patient, the nurse asks about the patient's ability to stand to determine if the patient is steady enough to stand without assistance. This assessment is crucial because weighing a patient typically requires them to stand on a bathroom scale, which can indicate a person's weight based on the compression of springs within the device. If a patient is unable to stand safely, alternative methods, such as a bed scale, must be used to measure their height and weight accurately without risking the patient's safety or the accuracy of the measurement. The stability of a person while standing can be influenced by various factors, including the width of their stance, the position of their center of gravity, and the use of supportive devices. A wide stance or the need for additional support might indicate balance issues and the need for further investigation into cerebellar function.