Before weighing a client, what must be done to the scale?

• A. Scale Is Zeroed Before Weighing
• B. Client wears heavy shoes
• C. Scale is near a window
• D. Scale is moved away from wall

Answer: (A)

Zeroing the scale before weighing ensures the reading reflects only the client’s weight, not an offset from the scale itself. If the scale isn’t set to zero, any baseline error or spring offset is added to the measurement, making the weight appear higher or lower than it truly is. Most scales require you to reset to zero (or tare) with no one on the scale, then weigh the client. This step is essential for accurate, consistent measurements used in monitoring changes over time. The other options don’t fix the baseline reading: wearing heavy shoes would add extra weight, and options about window placement or walls don’t address zeroing. The scale should also be on a flat, hard surface, but zeroing first is the key practice.