The set of techniques that make it possible to accurately measure body dimensions is known as somatometry.
Somatometry is a concept that is not included in the dictionary of the Royal Spanish Academy ( RAE ). The notion refers to the group of techniques that allow exact measurements of the dimensions of a body .
Somatometry, therefore, is in the orbit of anatomy . Biology , paleontology , anthropology and other sciences use somatometry to develop different kinds of studies.
Variables measured by somatometry
Body mass index ( BMI ), height and weight are variables measured by somatometry. To these data, the recording of the so-called vital signs (pulse, blood pressure, temperature) is usually added to complete the development of a basic physical examination.
Height and weight are considered general measurements of length and mass, respectively. Somatometry also uses other studies, such as measuring the length of the limbs or establishing proportions between different parts and sectors of the body.
A general analysis of a person's somatometry may involve measuring the length of their body from the head to the soles of their feet, along with measuring the contour of their figure. In addition, its mass is quantified (what we know as weight). The results of these measurements are useful for the medical professional to assess the nutritional status of the subject. Somatometry values, complemented by other types of studies (such as blood and urine tests, for example), can help the professional make a diagnosis.
Weight is one of the variables analyzed by somatometry.
Its usefulness in nursing
Within the field of nursing, somatometry takes on special prominence. Specifically, it is used in this case with several important objectives such as the following:
-Assess the patient's state of health.
-Be able to detect some measurements that do not conform at all to what the body normality indices are.
-Assess the growth of the individual.
-Be able to undertake the follow-up of a specific patient.
-Be able to establish an accurate diagnosis of what is happening to the patient.
Considerations about somatometry
In order to develop, therefore, the technique or action of somatometry with total reliability and certainty, it is important, however, that health professionals first take into account a series of very important considerations such as the following:
-Depending on sex or even age, the parameters considered "normal" will be one or the other.
-Excess clothing and even having eaten food or drink prior to the measurements can vary the results obtained to a certain extent. But not only that will also alter the fact that the person in question has exercised for half an hour before undergoing the study.
The aforementioned somatometry takes on special importance when it comes to newborns, since it will determine if they are well or if they have some type of illness or problem. To do this, as soon as they come into the world, the nurses proceed to weigh them, measure them, check their head circumference, certify the state of their fontanelles...