For weight measurement on a standing scale, what should you do with the weights before helping the resident onto the scale?

For weight measurement on a standing scale, what should you do with the weights before helping the resident onto the scale?

• A. Zero the weights
• B. Move weights to 50 lbs
• C. Remove the weights
• D. Ignore the weights

Answer: (A)

Setting the scale to zero before the resident steps on ensures an accurate reading. When the platform is empty, zeroing removes any small drift or residual weight from the scale, so the number you read reflects only the resident’s actual weight. If you don’t zero it, the result will be biased by the scale’s baseline. Moving weights to a specific number, removing them, or ignoring the weights wouldn’t establish the correct baseline and would lead to an inaccurate weight.

Setting the scale to zero before the resident steps on ensures an accurate reading. When the platform is empty, zeroing removes any small drift or residual weight from the scale, so the number you read reflects only the resident’s actual weight. If you don’t zero it, the result will be biased by the scale’s baseline. Moving weights to a specific number, removing them, or ignoring the weights wouldn’t establish the correct baseline and would lead to an inaccurate weight.