If the nurse is unable to obtain a patient's weight and the patient states her weight, the nurse understands that:

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The nurse should document the weight as self-reported if they were unable to obtain the patient's weight through measurement. It is important to accurately document a patient's weight, even if it is self-reported. Adding five pounds or assuming self-reported weights are always valid are not best practices. The nurse can also explain the importance of accurate weights to the patient to encourage them to provide the most accurate information possible.

If the Nurse Is Unable to Obtain a Patient's Weight