accurate I&O's possible??

Published

I've just started working on a cardiac floor as a new grad this feb. I understand how important to keep track on accurate I&O's

is - however, I dont seem to be able to ever know especially how much fluids my patients are taking in. Oh by the way, I work nights. I just want to learn what other floors/hospitals are doing to keep accurate I&O's. Any input would be appreciated!!

Thank you, go nurses!!!

Specializes in ER, Cardiac Tele/ICU Stepdown.

When I worked on a cardiac floor it was difficult for me to keep up with my I & 0s 100% accurately. Sure, you can tell your patients that we are keeping up with "what goes in and what comes out" or however you want to explain it and many still don't get it. Family members or ancillary staff will bring in drinks that you never see. The urinal/hat will get emptied, or they might not use it at all! There's a million different reasons you can't get an accurate I and O. For me it was just a very good estimate. Unless they've got a foley, on TPN and/or IVF only. Gotta do the best you can!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I've learned that on standard food trays (NOT renal diets or pt's on fluid restrictions, etc.) at my hospital breakfast includes 480 mL fluid, lunch is 240mL and dinner is 240mL, so I know what the pt drank if they drank everything on the tray. That helps to give a baseline or starting-point anyway. :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in MICU, neuro, orthotrauma.

I think it's entirely possible to accurately keep track of everything you and the tech give to the patient and the patient pees out as long as they are cooperative... until it hits more than five patients, and then it gets to be a bit much. When I was on the floor I spoke with my tech for the day about who was I&O and where we would keep the running tally until end of shift so that we could work cooperatively. Water was filled to 800 mL a pitcher, ice was negligible unless we had an active CHF or renal pt. It can be a well oiled machine really as long as you are anal about keeping up with it and you have a good tech on your team and a patient who understands the importance of it all.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion