Using Hospital Heights & Weights is a No (California)

Imagine having to reassess and recalculate 100 residents’ nutritional needs in 72 hours. That’s exactly what happened during a survey in California. When surveyors arrived at the community, they quickly identified that the community was using hospital heights and weights to estimate nutritional needs for residents. Communities are required to obtain height and weight upon admission to the community. Hospital heights and weights are typically not accurate due to iv fluids, inflammation, and other acute medical conditions. By obtaining heights and weights in the community, the community sets a baseline to compare weekly weights, for new admission or order as part of an intervention/monitoring, and monthly weights. It is important that the community have a standardized method to obtain weights. For instance, oxygen tanks should be removed from wheelchairs before weighing a resident. Be sure to follow your community or corporation’s policy.