Policy Manual sample

MDT Home Health Care Agency, Inc. MEASURE PATIENT’S HEIGHT POLICY POLICY: Guidelines to measure patient’s height as part of the nursing assessment, to establish a baseline for further observations of the patient. Among these measurements are weight, and vital signs. HEIGHT AND WEIGHT The patient's height and weight are recorded on admission for several reasons. a. Diet Management. The patient's ideal weight may be determined. The health care team will also be able to monitor weight loss or gain. b. Observation of Medical Status. Taking the patient's height and weight may indicate that the patient is overweight, underweight, or is retaining fluids (edema). The health care team can observe changes in weight caused by specific disease processes and determine the effectiveness of nutrition supplements prescribed to maintain weight. c. Calculation of Medication Dosages. Drug dosage is often prescribed in relation to a patient's weight when a specific blood concentration of the drug is desired. Larger doses may be required in a heavier person. Measuring and recording height 1) Performed beginning tasks. 2) Measured height. A. Individuals who are ABLE TO STAND: a. Used appropriate measuring device. b. Placed paper towel on platform as appropriate. c. Instructed individual to stand erect without shoes. d. Read height measurement. e. Recorded height measurement. OR B. Individuals who are UNABLE TO STAND: a. Position individual on side or back without shoes. b. Used appropriate measuring device. c. Read height measurement. d. Recorded height measurement. e. Repositioned individual, as necessary. 3)Performed completion tasks. L-51 Home Health Agency Client Assessments