How can a patient's height be estimated if they cannot stand for measurement?

Estimating a patient's height when they cannot stand for a measurement can be done effectively using arm span. The arm span, which is the distance from fingertip to fingertip when the arms are outstretched, has been shown to correlate well with actual height in many individuals. This method is particularly useful in clinical settings, as it is non-invasive and can be completed easily without requiring the patient to stand.

Using arm span as an alternative method has been validated in various studies and is often used in situations where traditional height measurements are not feasible, such as in patients with mobility limitations or certain medical conditions.

Other methods, like estimating height based on weight, are not reliable as they do not consider the individual variations in body composition. Reference charts provide general guidelines but do not offer a direct measurement. Using a measuring tape could be practical, but it may not be possible depending on the patient's physical limitations. Thus, arm span stands out as the most appropriate and accurate method for height estimation in these cases.