What is the first step in measuring height and weight?

• A. Wash your hands
• B. Identify the patient
• C. Explain procedure to patient
• D. Zero scale

Answer: (B)

Confirming the patient’s identity is the first step because you must ensure the measurements belong to the correct person. Verifying with two identifiers (such as name and date of birth or checking the wristband against the chart) prevents data matching errors that could affect diagnoses or treatments. After identity is established, you would then prepare and sanitize (wash hands), explain the procedure to the patient, and set up the equipment, including zeroing the scale, before taking the height and weight.