1. Measuring Intake &
Output
NATCEP Days Twenty Four

2. Objectives
• Identify what is meant by fluid balance, fluid
imbalance and effects of aging on fluid
balance
• Identify what is meant by the terms
I&O, force fluids, restrict fluids, and NPO
• Identify the reasons for measuring intake and
output
• Identify the procedure for measuring and
recording fluid intake
• Discuss and demonstrate the procedure for
measuring and reporting output

3. What is Fluid Balance?
• The body equalizes the amount of fluid
taken in with the amount of fluid excreted
via urination, feces, perspiration and/or
breathing

4. What is Fluid Imbalance?
• Too much fluid retained/kept in body tissue
(edema – swelling)
• Too much fluid lost (dehydration) from
vomiting, diarrhea, poor fluid
intake, bleeding, excess perspiration and
increased urine production

5. Effect of Aging on Fluid
Balance
• Swallowing difficulties may cause inadequate
intake of fluids
• Physiologial disorders may cause retention of
too much fluid
• Imbalances occur more quickly in the elderly
• Thirst mechanisms may be impaired

6. Daily Adult Requirements
• 1500 ml/cc of water required to survive
• 2000 – 2500 ml of fluid are needed for
normal fluid balance

7. Why Measure I & O
• Diagnosis and treatment
• Monitor progress of treatment of a disorder
(i.e., effects of a diuretic or kidney disease)
• Daily weights are also routinely ordered in
conjunction with I&O

8. Measuring Intake
• Measurement is cc (cubic centimeter) or ml
(mililiters)
• All fluids observed and measured per facility
policy
• Include foods that are liquid at body
temperature
• Totaled at end of shift and at the end of 24
hours

9. Liquid Foods
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Jello
Clear broth/strained soups
Hard candy
Popsicles
Custard/Eggnog
Ice Cream/Sherbets/Milkshakes
Cooked cereals
Pudding
Yogurt

10. Measuring Output
• Follow standard/universal precautions
• All urine and emesis should be measured
• Residents must void into a container
(bedpan/hat)
• Poured into a graduated container so it can be
measured
• Measure urine from a catheter by emptying the
bag into a graduate pitcher and then measuring.
• Incontinent = record number of times it occurs
• All liquid stool should also be measured
• Totaled at the end of each shift and at the end
of 24 hours