Nursing Component Task
Nursing procedures & clinical learning

Public Health Nursing (PHN)

CHECKING THE WEIGHT OF A CHILD AT A CHILD WELFARE CLINIC (CWC)

This activity is organized for monitoring and supervising the growth and development of children from birth to five (5) years.

Purpose

  • Identify any deviation from normal and offer corrective action/intervention
  • Ensure child’s growth is in accordance with the standard developmental grid
  • Improve on nutrition and reduce risk of death
  • Assess the child and refer for further management where necessary

Indications

  • Client requires the weight of child at child welfare clinic (cwc) assessment or care.

Equipment

  • 1. Furniture which includes chairs, tables, bulletin board
  • 2. Table cloth
  • 3. Two (2) registers, one for registration of children under one (1) year and the other for children above one year
  • 4. Weighing tally sheet
  • 5. Master chart for grading nutritional status
  • 6. Attendance book
  • 7. Tally sheets
  • 8. Weighing scales
  • 9. Hand washing facilities- veronica bucket, plastic bowls, soap in a dish, hand towels
  • 10. Electronic/manual visual aids for education
  • 11. Blue and red pens, pencils, eraser and ruler
  • 12. Water in containers if there is none at the clinic sites

Preparation

  • Review client records and history.
  • Gather necessary equipment and supplies.
  • Plan the visit timing and logistics.

Procedure steps

  • Establish rapport and explain procedure to mother/ caregiver
  • Wash hands/alcohol hand rub with the appropriate technique
  • Assist mother/ caregiver to remove baby’s clothing and put on weighing pants
  • Make sure weighing scale is in good condition
  • Adjust weighing scale to zero at eye level
  • Hang baby/assist child to stand on the scale and read the weight while the mother/ caregiver is standing close to feel secured
  • Give baby to the mother/ caregiver to dress up
  • Wash hands/alcohol hand rub with the appropriate technique
  • Plot the weight on the growth chart
  • Check the weight against the previous one and explain the graph to mother/caregiver
  • Counsel on weight loss and congratulate the mother/caregiver when there is normal weight gain
  • Record weight in the registration book against the child’s name manually/electronically
  • Refer baby/child to the next stage
  • Thank mother/caregiver and schedule for next visit

Precautions

  • Maintain infection prevention and control measures throughout.
  • Respect client privacy and confidentiality.
  • Ensure cultural sensitivity and dignity.
  • Refer or escalate when complications arise.

Aftercare

  • Evaluate client response to interventions.
  • Schedule follow-up as needed.
  • Ensure client understands care plan.

Nursing considerations

  • Adapt care to client's unique circumstances.
  • Involve family members as appropriate.
  • Consider social determinants of health.

Patient education

  • Provide condition-specific health education.
  • Teach self-care strategies where applicable.
  • Reinforce importance of follow-up.

Documentation

  • Record all assessments and findings.
  • Document interventions provided.
  • Note client education given.
  • Report any referrals made.

References and further reading

Educational resource only. Follow current Nursing and Midwifery Council guidance, local institutional protocols, scope of practice, and clinical supervision.

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