Nurse Documentation: Intake / Output Calculation

[Solarod]

The nurse documents the following intake and output for a client over an 8-hour period (0700 to 1500):

Time	I & O Documentation
0700	IV D 5W infusing; 900 mL remaining in bag
0830	150 mL urine voided
0900	16 oz of ice chips consumed. 200 mL gastric tube formula and 50 mL water administered
1200	200 mL gastric tube formula and 50 mL water administered.
1300	220 mL urine voided
1415	230 mL urine voided
1500	IV D 5W infusing; 550 mL remaining in bag. 200 mL gastric tube formula and 50 mL water administered

Calculate the client's total fluid intake for the 8-hour shift. (Record your answer using a whole number. Do not round.)

My calculated total intake is 1580 but I was marked wrong. Why is Ice Chips divided into half?

RATIONALE FROM THE REVIEW

The client's input includes intravenous fluid (IVF): 900 mL at start of shift minus 550 mL remaining = 350 mL. Ice chips: half of frozen volume is 8 oz = 240 mL (1 oz = 30 mL). Enteral formula plus water: 250 mL at 0900, 1200, and 1500 = 750 mL. Total fluid intake = 1340 mL.

[NICU Guy, BSN, RN]

Because a 16 oz cup of ice chips contains air in between the ice chips. If you let the ice chips melt, it will not equal 16 oz. If you took a 16 oz cup of water and put in a freezer, when it is frozen, compare the weight to a 16 oz cup of ice chips. The ice chips are considerably lighter.

[OcMurse93]

Ice chips are always half of their volume. E.g. 16 oz of ice chips = 8 oz of intake. Its just a rule you need to know.

[Solarod]

Ice chips are always half of their volume. E.g. 16 oz of ice chips = 8 oz of intake. Its just a rule you need to know.

Noted. Thanks OcMurse93

[Solarod]

Because a 16 oz cup of ice chips contains air in between the ice chips. If you let the ice chips melt, it will not equal 16 oz. If you took a 16 oz cup of water and put in a freezer, when it is frozen, compare the weight to a 16 oz cup of ice chips. The ice chips are considerably lighter.

Thanks Guy in Babyland