Basic Nursing SkillsQuestion 79 of 200

When measuring intake and output (I&O), the CNA:

a.Records in milliliters all fluids in (oral, IV, tube feed) and all fluids out (urine, vomitus, drainage, liquid stool); uses graduated containers for accuracy
b.Combines all intake and all output into a single 24-hour total on the flow sheet, since only the net fluid balance matters to the nurse and the physician on rounds
c.Records only intake, since output is measured by the licensed nurse
d.Estimates both intake and output by visual inspection rather than measuring

Explanation

I&O monitoring uses graduated containers and milliliter measurement to track fluid balance—important in CHF, renal disease, dehydration, post-op care, and tube feedings. Includes oral fluids (water, juice, ice chips counted as half-volume), IVs, tube feeds, and outputs (urine, emesis, drainage, liquid stool). Estimates (d), partial recording (c), or combined totals (b) lose the data needed for nursing assessment and medical decisions.

Law Reference: Fundamentals of nursing; I&O

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