Arizona Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Practice Test

When measuring height for a resident in bed, what method should be used?

1. Using a room height measuring tool

2. Estimating based on average height of similar residents

3. Taking the measurement from head to heels while flat

4. Using a portable measuring tape while standing

The correct answer is: Taking the measurement from head to heels while flat

The correct method for measuring a resident's height while they are in bed is to take the measurement from head to heels while flat. This technique ensures accuracy because the resident is lying down in a position that provides a natural alignment of the body, thus allowing you to capture a true measurement without the complications of posture or balance that can occur when standing. Using this method, you place the resident in a supine position (lying on their back), ensuring that their body is straight and level, and then measure the distance from the top of the head to the heel. This approach also minimizes any discomfort or anxiety that might arise from requiring the resident to get out of bed. Other methods, like using a room height measuring tool or a portable measuring tape while standing, would not be suitable for residents unable to stand or those in bed, as they might not yield accurate measurements while accounting for the body's natural posture. Estimating height based on averages lacks precision and does not respect individual resident differences, which can lead to errors in recording important health information.