Monitoring intake and output helps healthcare teams identify dehydration, illness, kidney issues, and other medical concerns.In some individuals, changes in fluid balance can become dangerous quickly.
What Intake Includes
Intake may include:
- Water
- Juice
- Coffee
- Soup
- Tube feeding
- Ice chips
What Output Includes
Output may include:
- Urine
- Vomit
- Diarrhea
- Drainage
Common Documentation Mistakes
Problems can occur when:
- Staff estimate inaccurately
- Entries are missed
- Fluids are forgotten
- Documentation is delayed
Accurate monitoring helps nurses recognize problems earlier.