Name five types of mensuration. Why is mensuration particularly important with infants and

Question

children?
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Chapter 33: Body Measurements and Vital Signs
Medical Assisting Administrative & Clinical Competencies 9th Edition
2. Explain why and when a patient’s height and weight are measured.
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
3. Name at least three situations in which oral temperature measurement is contraindicated.
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
4. What is the normal adult rate pulse range? Discuss how pulse rate is determined and list five
factors that affect the pulse rate.
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
5. Name two qualities of the heartbeat that must be observed, defining the terms, and listing the
words to describe the characteristics.
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
6. Why are respirations measured as the pulse is being measured?
_______________________________________________________

Answer 1

1. Types of Mensuration

Five types of mensuration are:

1. Height Measurement - Determining the vertical size of an individual.
2. Weight Measurement - Measuring body mass.
3. Head Circumference - Measuring the circumference of an infant's head, which is crucial for monitoring brain growth.
4. Chest Circumference - Measuring the circumference of the chest, important for assessing lung capacity and development.
5. Waist Circumference - Evaluating abdominal fat and associated health risks.

Importance of Mensuration with Infants and Children Mensuration is particularly important with infants and children because it helps in monitoring their growth and development patterns. Regular measurements can indicate potential health problems or nutritional deficiencies, guide pediatric care, and ensure that a child is developing appropriately.

2. Patient Height and Weight Measurement

Height and weight are measured for several reasons:

• To assess overall health and nutritional status.
• To calculate body mass index (BMI), which helps in determining whether a patient is underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese.
• To monitor changes over time, which can indicate weight loss, gain, or changes in health status.
• During routine check-ups, age-specific screenings, or pre-operative evaluations to ensure safe anesthetic dosages or med dosing.

3. Contraindications for Oral Temperature Measurement

Oral temperature measurement is contraindicated in:

1. Patients who are unconscious or semi-conscious, as this can pose a choking hazard.
2. Patients with oral, facial, or neck surgeries/injuries that prevent proper placement of the thermometer.
3. Patients experiencing severe coughing or breathing difficulties, where oral measurement may not be reliable.

4. Normal Adult Pulse Rate Range

The normal adult pulse rate range is typically between 60 to 100 beats per minute.

Determining Pulse Rate:

• Pulse rate is typically assessed by palpating the radial artery, commonly located on the wrist, or the carotid artery in the neck, for a specific duration (usually 30 seconds and then multiplied by two).

Factors Affecting Pulse Rate:

1. Age
2. Physical fitness level
3. Hormonal levels
4. Body temperature
5. Emotional state (stress, anxiety)

5. Qualities of the Heartbeat

Two qualities of the heartbeat that must be observed are:

1. Rate: The number of beats per minute. It can be described as normal, bradycardic (slow, <60 bpm), or tachycardic (fast, >100 bpm).
2. Rhythm: The regularity of the heartbeat, which can be described as regular, irregular, or irregularly irregular.

6. Importance of Measuring Respirations with Pulse

Respirations are measured alongside pulse to provide a comprehensive assessment of a patient's overall physiological status. Both metrics reflect the functioning of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Observing respirations during pulse measurement is often easier and provides a more complete snapshot of a patient's health without requiring additional time or effort.