Florida Nursing Assistant Competency Pracrice Exam

When weighing a client using a bed scale, what should the nurse aid ensure?

1. The client's body is touching the bed

2. The scale is balanced

3. The sling hangs freely

4. The client stands on the scale properly

The correct answer is: The sling hangs freely

When weighing a client using a bed scale, ensuring that the sling hangs freely is crucial for obtaining an accurate weight measurement. A bed scale typically involves a sling or a hammock-like structure that cradles the client. If the sling is not hanging freely, it may cause the weight to be distributed unevenly, potentially leading to inaccuracies in the weight reading. A properly balanced and freely hanging sling allows for the client’s weight to be measured accurately without additional pressure or tension affecting the reading. In the context of weighing a client, it is also important that the scale is balanced before use, as this ensures reliability in the weight measurement. The client's body should indeed be in contact with the bed, as this is necessary for the measurement process. However, for bed scales specifically, the client does not stand on the scale; rather, they are positioned in the sling. Therefore, the condition of the sling hanging freely is the key aspect for ensuring accurate weight measurement in this scenario.