Heights

We just finished our annual survey. We are still a traditional state, and they spent 4 days in our facility. We came out OK- infection control and heights are our two concerns. I will take it in the scheme of things as I know we are not perfect, nor do I even attempt to be.

My question is this- you obtain a height on a resident at admission and then the following year with their annual assessment. When you obtain the later height you find that it is off by a few inches (for example 3 inches shorter). What procedures do you have in place to fix this? You cant make them grow the 3 inches- so do you follow a guideline sort of like weights. For example, if the weight is off 5 pounds we have the LPN verify the weight immediately. If it is still off 5 pounds we notify the unit manager and dietitian. In this situation you can adjust calories and fluid requirements and implement interventions for the weight. I am assuming if I re-verify the height and accept the new height as correct, I would complete a significant correction on the previous MDS heights?

Do most get their heights on the evening shift with the resident laying in bed? Do you complete with each comprehensive MDS or do you only complete it a the beginning of the year?

Thanks- I am curious...