To measure the size of a rash, skin lesion, laceration or an area of cellulitis when you do not have a ruler, just use your hand to approximate:
1 inch = width of the thumb
3 inches = width of the four fingers closely pressed together at the palm of the hand
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9 inches = outstretched span of the hand
18 inches = length of the forearm from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger. — Deana Goldin, DNP, ARNP, FNP-BC, Miami (170-5)
These are letters from practitioners around the country who want to share their clinical problems and successes, observations and pearls with their colleagues. We invite you to participate. If you have a clinical question, submit it, here.
