Question

You are assigned to weigh Mrs. B using the wheelchair scale. Her weight is 22 pounds less than it was last month. You should:

A. inform the nurse immediately.
B. balance the scale and recheck the weight.
C. fill out a maintenance slip to check the scale.
D. record the weight on the flow sheet; no other action is necessary.

Answer 1

When there is a significant weight change like a 22-pound loss within a month, the correct action is to inform the nurse immediately. The correct action to take when a patient's weight decreases significantly

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct action to take when a patient's weight decreases significantly, such as by 22 pounds in one month, is to inform the nurse immediately. This substantial weight change may indicate a health issue that requires prompt attention. It is essential to ensure that the scale is balanced before weighing a patient. If a scale appears to be unbalanced or not functioning correctly, it might require maintenance. However, in cases where there is a significant and unexpected weight change, the priority is the patient's health, and the medical staff should be alerted.

Once the nurse is informed, they can assess the situation, determine if the weight change is accurate, and decide on the necessary medical actions. Recording the weight is also a necessary step but should be done alongside notifying the appropriate healthcare professionals. It is vital to consider the context and the potential health implications of a sudden weight change in a patient.