Which of these guidelines should a nurse follow when measuring a patient's weight?

A) The patient is always weighed wearing only his or her undergarments.
B) The type of scale does not matter, as long as the weights are similar from day to day.
C) The patient may leave on his or her jacket and shoes as long as these are documented next to the weight.
D) Attempts should be made to weigh the patient at approximately the same time of day, if a sequence of weights is necessary.

If a sequence of repeated weights is necessary, then the nurse should attempt to weigh the patient at approximately the same time of day and with the same types of clothing worn each time. A standardized balance or electronic standing scale should be used to measure weight. The patient should remove his or her shoes and heavy outer clothing. A patient does not need to always be weighed in their undergarments and should remove shoes and heavy outerwear. If a sequence of repeated weights is necessary, then the nurse should attempt to weigh the patient at approximately the same time of day and with the same types of clothing worn each time.