What equipment is commonly used to measure a patient's height?

The use of a stadiometer or measuring rod is standard for measuring a patient's height because it is specifically designed for that purpose. A stadiometer typically consists of a vertical measuring scale with a horizontal headpiece that can slide down to rest gently on the top of the patient's head, ensuring an accurate measurement while the patient stands straight.

In this context, other options would not provide the needed capability for height measurement. A weighing scale measures weight, a blood pressure cuff is used to measure blood pressure, and a thermometer measures body temperature. These devices are specialized for different assessments and do not have the functionality to measure height accurately, which is why the stadiometer stands out as the correct choice for this question.