Cebu City - In continuation to part 1 of things to remember in taking anthropometric measurements, this article talks about the things to consider and know when dealing with a distressed child and children with special needs or conditions.

The third thing to keep in mind in taking anthropometric measurements when dealing with a distressed child:

• If the child is reluctant or upset before the beginning of the measurement, allow the mother or caregiver to comfort them. Wait until the child has calmed down and is willing to be measured before proceeding.
• It would also be a great help if the mother or guardian accompanied the child to assist when the child is being measured. Just make sure to properly guide and instruct the guardian or parent.
• If there are other children to be measured, measure another child first and let the upset or distressed child observe and grasp what is the activity about.

Kids with special needs or conditions like chronic illness, deformity, or disability will all fall under this category. They may have to be weighed and measured in a different manner and may require different equipment.

• If it is impossible to measure the child's height, measure their length instead and deduct 0.7 cm.
• A minimum of two contact points (such as the back of the head and buttocks or heels and buttocks) should touch the surface of the measurement tool if a child is unable to construct a vertical plane with their head, shoulders, buttocks, and heels aligned. Obesity may have a role in this.
• In the event that the child's unique condition prevents measures of weight, length, or height from being obtained, record the child's information (such as name, caregiver's name, and address) in the recording form.
• If a child has an asymmetry in their leg lengths, have them stand on the larger leg while you adjust their hips with a block or wedge on the shorter leg before measuring their height. Hold the legs together while measuring the distance from the heel of the shorter leg to the other.

These tips and reminders are found and adapted from the 2015 Alberta Health Services. The continuation of this series will talk about the ways to take care of the tools and equipment for anthropometric measurements and the tips for the actual recording of data. // DMO II Christine M. Lopez, RND