discontinued I/O??

[sweetieann]

When can I/O generally be d'c'ed? I have been told intake should equal output, but I know this won't be perfectly equal. I've heard measurement can generally be discontinued when numbers are within 200-300 of each other.

[OregonGal]

Isn't it d/c'd by doctor's order?

[CaLLaCoDe, BSN, RN]

When can I/O generally be d'c'ed? I have been told intake should equal output, but I know this won't be perfectly equal. I've heard measurement can generally be discontinued when numbers are within 200-300 of each other.

So, if the MD writes an order for I/O to be d/c'ed would not it be fitting for him/her to write an order for IV fluids to run along side this order to make up for NPO status, to keep it in balance? Consider this my friend. Thus, at any given time an MD can write for NPO and be she/he writes IV med orders to follow to prevent any untoward effects, such as skyrocketing BP or esophagus eroding GERD. In addition an order may be given an NPO patient allowing for PO meds with sips of water only.

Actually, another facet of your question I had not considered is that an order for D/C of strict I and O may be required for a patient who is relatively stable; whose I and O's trend has been reliably WNL. Often patient's who are soon to be discharged or are not considered at risk will not have orders to keep track of I and O's. So, back to your original question, if one sees that intake is relatively close to output and the trend has been holding for days, you might suggest to the MD to DC strict I's and O's.

But heaven forbid you think it is within your powers to DC I's and O's at your whim. MD's write orders for us to follow, and if we don't.. we practice medicine.

[AKNursie]

It's usually standard procedure on my floor to d/c I&O 24 hours after the end of an IV infusion or catheter being removed. Of course, we don't do this on kiddos, or on CHF pts because they need to be monitored more closely. Otherwise, we I&O by dr order.

[blondy2061h, MSN, RN]

We do I&Os on all of our patients their entire admission. Takes little effort, can catch a problem before it becomes severe.

[Tait, MSN, RN]

Our floor protocol is I/O Q8. I think maybe in smaller hospitals/swing bed capable floors this might be flexible. I would check with your floor policy. I know when I worked at a rural 40 bed we could limit VSS to QD and I/O's when a patient went swing bed.

Tait

[Babs0512]

Personally, I always keep track of I&O. It can be a medical order OR done because of a nursing judgment. I've always continued I&O on my patients, even the "walkie talkies", at least so I can get a rough idea of how they're doing.

Blessings