Eleganza 5 in 5. Part 4: Weighing
In the fourth in a series of five posts with accompanying videos focusing on how the Eleganza 5 bed can benefit patients and caregivers, we look at weighing.
We appreciate how busy you are and because of this, we’ve kept things short. It will take less than 5 minutes to either read this post or watch the video.
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Eleganza 5: Weighing – 5 Key Facts in 5 Minutes
1. Importance of Weighing
Obtaining an accurate patient weight can be extremely important for a number of reasons:1
- As a fundamental part of nutritional screening
- Measurement of fluid gain and loss
- Accurate drug dosage
- On admission to make sure that specialist equipment such as beds and mattresses are suitable for the patient who’s going to be using them
2. The Weighing Process
Weighing a patient is part of a process. The first thing to consider is what type of scales we are going to use for the patient, which is usually based on how mobile they are. The scales on the Eleganza 5 bed are suitable for patients who are unable to exit the bed. They are also Class III which is suitable for the hospital environment.
We also need to ensure that the scales are accurately calibrated, and that anyone using the scales has been properly trained on both using the scale and accurately recording the weight. The results must be interpreted and conveyed to any members of the multi-disciplinary team who may need to know the patient’s current weight.2
3. Eleganza 5 Scale Parameters
The scales will measure in increments of 0.5kg between a range of 10kg and 250kg. The patient can be weighed in a tilted position, as long as the spirit level bubble at the head of the bed is within the central identified black circular zone:
4. How and When to Zero Scales
The scales should always be set to zero prior to the patient going onto the bed. This is done by firstly adding all the bedding and accessories to the bed platform, then pressing the green “Go” button followed by the “Zero” button. The “Zero” button is pressed until the numbers flash, and then pressed once more. The bed is now displaying a weight of 0.0kg and is ready for patient placement.
5. Recording Patient Weight
When a patient is on the bed their weight is clearly identified. Pressing the 0.5 / 0.1 button shows the accuracy of the patient’s weight to 0.5kg or 0.1kg. This weight can then be measured and put into the patient’s records.
If the “Zero” was accidentally pressed when the patient was on the bed, simply press the “Weight/Clear” button to undo; the patient’s weight will be displayed again.
In summary, we’ve looked at the following:
- Why weighing a patient is important
- The process of weighing the patient
- The parameters of the scales on the bed
- When and how to zero the scales
- How to weigh and record the patient’s weight
References
- Evans L, Best C (2014). Accurate assessment of patient weight. Nursing Times 110:12, 12-14.
- Best C, Shepherd E (2020). Accurate measurement of weight and height 1: weighing patients. Nursing Times 116: 4, 50-52.
