Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Prometric Practice Exam

What is the best method for a nurse aide to obtain the height of a resident who is unable to stand?

1. Measure the height while the resident sits in a chair

2. Lay the resident down, mark their feet, and measure from the marks

3. Estimate the height based on the bed's height

4. Use a standard measuring tape from the bed

The correct answer is: Lay the resident down, mark their feet, and measure from the marks

When a resident is unable to stand, the most accurate method to obtain their height is to lay them down and mark their feet, then measure from those marks. This approach ensures that the measurement accounts for the entire length of the body without the inaccuracies that can arise from other methods. Measuring while seated may not provide an accurate reflection of the person's true height, as seated height typically is less than standing height due to the bending of the knees and the overall position of the body. If estimating height based on the bed's height, it could lead to significant inaccuracies, as it does not consider the individual's actual body length. Using a standard measuring tape from the bed would also be unreliable for similar reasons, as it would not provide a clear measurement of the individual’s height. Thus, marking the feet while the resident is lying down is the best practice for obtaining an accurate height measurement in such situations.