Measuring Output

Specialties School

Published

Specializes in School Nursing.

I have a 3rd grade student with spina bifida and neurogenic bladder who requires a straight cath 4 times a day, one of which is at school after lunch. Last year the nurse recorded the output that she drained but whatever she used to measure has disappeared. I need to replace it but was wondering what other people use. I'm thinking a Pyrex or Anchor Hocking type measuring cup but I want one with smaller increments of measurement since this kid only puts out about 100 to 150 mLs at a time. Most of the measuring cups I'm finding are broken down into 25mL increments and I'm thinking I'd like one broken into 10mL increments. Does such a thing exist? I could use a scale which is how I measured output in the NICU and she does wear diapers so I could dump it in the diaper and weigh it but that seems like so much extra work. LOL

Specializes in Pediatrics, Psych.

Once it's in a container, pull up with a 60 cc syringe? I guess that's kind of cumbersome.

Is there a reason the child's output needs to be measured?

The student that we cathed last year had a cath set connected to a sealed bag. We just measured from the markings on the bag, which were approximate. We needed to document amount and color/clarity. Then tore at the perforation and dumped in toilet. We didn't need to be precise on our measurements at all.

The student that we cathed last year had a cath set connected to a sealed bag. We just measured from the markings on the bag, which were approximate. We needed to document amount and color/clarity. Then tore at the perforation and dumped in toilet. We didn't need to be precise on our measurements at all.

This is what I do for the student I have to cath.

Specializes in School Nurse.

My 'Special Procedure' orders do not state that I need to measure. I taught my student to self cath in 3rd grade with this:

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Specializes in School Nursing.

We decided to go with one of those urinals that men use in the hospital. The kind that always reminded me of a small, misshapen milk jug. :) That way we can just drain straight into it, measure and record and then dump and clean.

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