6.2 Intake, Output, and Measurement
Key Takeaways
- Measure fluids in milliliters and record exactly according to facility policy.
- Intake includes oral fluids and other ordered fluid sources; output includes urine, emesis, drainage, and liquid stool when measured.
- Use eye-level measurement on a flat surface for graduates.
- Report low urine output, dark urine, new incontinence, or signs of dehydration.
- California skills tasks may require urine output and meal/fluid intake calculations.
Intake And Output
Intake and output, often called I&O, tracks fluid balance. This is important for residents with dehydration risk, heart failure, kidney problems, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or urinary issues.
What Counts
| Intake | Output |
|---|---|
| Water, juice, milk, coffee, tea | Urine |
| Soup or gelatin if policy counts it | Emesis |
| Ice chips converted to fluid amount | Drainage |
| Tube feeding if assigned to record | Liquid stool when ordered |
| IV fluids are usually nurse-documented | Wound or tube drainage |
Measurement Habits
Use milliliters. A common conversion is 1 ounce equals about 30 mL. Always follow facility cups and conversion charts.
For urine in a graduate:
- Place graduate on a flat surface.
- Read at eye level.
- Record in mL.
- Empty and rinse equipment as directed.
- Perform hand hygiene.
- Report unusual findings.
Meal Intake
Meal intake may be recorded as a percentage. Estimate how much of the total meal was eaten: 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, or 100% are common values.
On California skills, meal/fluid measurement must be close to the evaluator's calculation. Practice reading cups and estimating solids.
What To Report
Report:
- Very low output.
- Blood in urine or stool.
- Burning urination.
- New incontinence.
- Strong odor with symptoms.
- Repeated vomiting.
- Signs of dehydration: dry mouth, confusion, dizziness, poor skin turgor.
Exam Tip
If the question asks for output measurement, choose the answer with eye-level reading, correct units, and prompt reporting of abnormal findings.
A CNA measures urine output in a graduate. How should the CNA read it?
Which finding should be reported?