MEASURING INTAKE AND OUTPUT
PROCEDURE CHECKLIST 1 2 3 4 5 PE
1. Assess the client’s risk factors for fluid overload
such as congestive heart failure, renal failure, or
ascites.
2. Determine if the client is receiving fluids or
medications that would predispose him to fluid
overload such as large amounts of IV fluids or
steroid therapy.
3. Assess the client’s risk factors for fluid loss such
as diaphoresis, rapid respirations, diarrhea,
gastric suction, blood loss, or wound drainage.
4. Determine if the client’s urine output is in excess
of his fluid intake, because the kidneys excrete
excess fluid during periods of overhydration and
conserve body water during periods of
dehydration.
5. Wash your hands
6. Explain the rules of I & O record. All fluids taken
orally must be recorded on the client’s intake and
output form (sometimes called a fluid balance
flow sheet).
a. Client must void into bedpan or urinal, not into
the toilet.
b. Toilet tissue should be disposed of in plastic-
lined container, not in bedpan.
7. Measure all oral fluids in accord with agency
policy; e.g., = 150ml, glass = 240 ml. Record all
IV fluids as they are infused.
8. Record the time and amount of all fluid intake I
the designated space on the bedside form (oral,
tube feedings, IV fluids). Record measurements
immediately instead of waiting until the end of
the shift.
9. Transfer the 8 hour total fluid intake from the
bedside I & O record to the graphic sheet or
24hour I & O on the client’s chart.
10.Record all forms of intake, except blood and blood
products, in the appropriate column of the 24
hour record.
11. Complete the 24-hour intake record by adding all
8 hour totals
12.OUTPUT – Apply nonsterile gloves
13.Empty the urinal, bedpan, or foley drainage bag
into a graduated container or commode “hat”
14.Remove the gloves and wash hands.
15.Record the time and amount of output (urine,
dressings, drainage from nasogastric tube,
drainage tube) on bedside I & O record. Record
measurements immediately instead of waiting
until the end of the shift.
16.Transfer 8 hour output totals to the graphic sheet
or 24-hour I & O record on the client’s chart.
PROCEDURE CHECKLIST 1 2 3 4 5 PE
17.Complete the 24-hour output record by totaling
all the 8 hour totals. Do not have visitors or
family members empty bedpans, urinals or
catheter bags.
18.Wash your hands.
19.Document measured Intake and Output at
patient’s chart.
TOTAL SCORE
Date
Clinical Instructor Signature
