What is the first step when weighing a patient?

What is the first step when weighing a patient?

• A. Check Clothing for Heavy Garments
• B. Take Two Measurements and Average
• C. Ensure the Scale is Calibrated to 0
• D. Record the Weight Immediately

Answer: (C)

Accurate weighing starts with the scale showing zero when it’s empty. If the scale isn’t at zero, any leftover offset becomes part of the measurement, making the recorded weight inaccurate. So the first step is to turn on the scale, let it settle, and confirm that it reads zero. If it doesn’t, reset or recalibrate until zero is displayed. Once the baseline is correct, prepare the patient (remove heavy outer clothing or shoes as needed), have them stand still on the scale with weight evenly distributed, and then record the weight once it stabilizes.

Accurate weighing starts with the scale showing zero when it’s empty. If the scale isn’t at zero, any leftover offset becomes part of the measurement, making the recorded weight inaccurate. So the first step is to turn on the scale, let it settle, and confirm that it reads zero. If it doesn’t, reset or recalibrate until zero is displayed. Once the baseline is correct, prepare the patient (remove heavy outer clothing or shoes as needed), have them stand still on the scale with weight evenly distributed, and then record the weight once it stabilizes.