Shakir tape is used to measure what?

Haryana CHO - 2022

Community Health Nursing

Easy

Appeared in: Haryana CHO - 2022

Explanation

Shakir tape is a specially designed, color-coded tape for measuring the Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC).
The primary purpose of measuring MUAC with a Shakir tape is to screen for nutritional status, particularly Protein-Energy Malnutrition in children.
The measurement is taken at the midpoint of the upper arm, between the acromion process (shoulder) and the olecranon process (elbow).
The color codes on the tape (red, yellow, green) allow for immediate classification of malnutrition, making it a vital tool in community health.

Option B: Head circumference is measured to assess brain growth and detect conditions like hydrocephalus or microcephaly. A standard non-stretchable measuring tape is used, not a Shakir tape.
Option C: Chest circumference is measured at the level of the nipples. While it can be compared to head circumference as a growth indicator, it is not measured with a Shakir tape.
Option D: Height (or length in infants) is a measure of linear growth and is assessed using a stadiometer or an infantometer, not a flexible tape like the Shakir tape.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Use of Shakir tape for nutritional assessment as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Shakir tape is a cornerstone of community-based management of acute malnutrition (CMAM) programs, allowing for early identification and referral of malnourished children.
Its simplicity enables community health workers (like ASHA workers in India) and even family members to screen children, decentralizing nutritional surveillance.
Patient Safety: Correctly identifying the midpoint of the arm is critical for an accurate MUAC measurement. An incorrect measurement can lead to misclassification of a child's nutritional status, potentially delaying life-saving intervention.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key term in the question, which is 'Shakir tape'.
Recall or deduce that this is a specific type of measurement tool used in pediatric and community health nursing.
Think about the common anthropometric measurements performed on children: weight, height/length, head circumference, and mid-upper arm circumference.
Associate the specialized, color-coded Shakir tape with its specific purpose, which is the rapid assessment of nutritional status via MUAC.
Evaluate the options. Eliminate measurements that require different equipment, such as height (stadiometer) or are for different purposes (head circumference for brain growth).
Conclude that Shakir tape's unique function is to measure mid-upper arm circumference.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Comprehensive Textbook of Community Health NursingShyamala D part 1 (pp 26-389 of 389) p. 313-315

E6 Ghai Essential Pediatrics(pp 26-904 of 913) p. 9-11