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 accurate measurements of the dimensions of a body.
Somatometry, therefore, is in the orbit of anatomy. The biology, the paleontology, the anthropology and other sciences appeal to somatometry to develop different kinds of studies.
The body mass index (BMI), the height and weight are variable measuring somatometry. These data are usually added to the registration of so-called vital signs (pulse, blood pressure, temperature) to complete the development of a basic physical examination.
Height and weight are considered to be general measures of length and mass, respectively. Somatometry also appeals to other studies, such as the measurement of the length of the limbs or the establishment of 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 head to soles, 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, supplemented with other types of studies (such as blood and urine tests, for example), can help the professional to make a diagnosis.
Within the field of nursing, somatometry takes on a special role. Specifically, it is used in this case with several important objectives such as the following:
-Assess the patient's state of health.
-To be able to detect some measures that do not conform at all to what the body normality indices are.
-Value the growth of the individual.
-To be able to follow up on a specific patient.
-To establish an accurate diagnosis of what happens to the patient.
In order to develop, therefore, the technique or action of somatometry with total reliability and certainty, it is important, however, that health professionals previously take into account a series of very important considerations such as the following:
-Depending on gender or even age, the parameters considered "normal" will be one or the other.
-Excess clothing and even having ingested food or drink prior to the measurements may vary the results obtained to a certain extent. But not only that, they will also alter the fact that the person in question has practiced exercise for half an hour before undergoing the study.
The aforementioned somatometry takes on a special role when it comes to newborns, since it will determine if they are well or if they have any type of disease or problem. For that, as soon as they come to the world, the nurses proceed to weigh them, measure them, check the head circumference they have, certify the state of the fontanelles…