1

Apatient needs weighing, as he is due a drug that is calculated on bodyweight. He experiences a lot of pain on movement so is reluctant to move, particularly stand up. What would you do?

  • Document clearly in the patient’s notes that a weightcannot be obtained.

  • Offer the patient pain relief and either use bed scales or a hoist with scales built in

  • Discuss the case with your colleagues and agree to guess his body weight until he agrees to stand and use the chair scales.

  • Omit the drug as it is not safe to give it without this information; inform the doctor and document your actions