What is the first preparatory step when measuring a child's height and weight?

• A. Remove Child's Clothing
• B. Weigh the Child
• C. Wash Hands and Move Parent and Child to Exam Table
• D. Measure Height

Answer: (A)

Removing outer clothing is the first preparatory step because bulky clothing can add extra weight and alter the height measurement, making the numbers less accurate. Once the child’s clothing is removed, you can proceed to weigh on a calibrated scale (with minimal clothing as appropriate) and then measure height with a stadiometer, having the child stand straight with heels together and head in a neutral position. Hygiene and safety practices, like washing hands and preparing the exam space, are important, but the initial action that directly ensures measurement accuracy is removing outer clothing.