Please help! How/when do you measure I & O and BM?

yousoldtheworld · Aug 29, 2010

You don't "measure" output unless they are on order to have theirs measured, in which case you'd use a hat (like a measuring cup) and put it in their toilet/measure out of the bedpan. If they have a catheter, you should have a measuring cup to use when you empty it.

When it comes to voiding, you normally keep track of the number of times they go, continent and incontinent.

BM is measured by looking at it and estimating the size - small, medium, or large.

You really need to ask your trainer/nurses about this, as you need to find out who is on strict I & O, and who you just keep track of normally.

CoffeemateCNA · Aug 29, 2010

We also record fluid intake for all residents at every meal. For 95% of the residents, you can just find out how much fluid the glasses/mugs usually hold (120 mL, 240 mL, etc.) and then "guesstimate" how much they drank. You don't have to sit and measure how much each resident drank down to the nearest drop. With that said:

If you have a resident with renal failure or some other disease process that requires a fluid restriction, you will obviously be more discriminatory and measure carefully how much they drank and voided (by having them void into a hat or by weighing the brief if they are incontinent). This information is used to assess how their disease is progressing and may even factor into treatment decisions.

yousoldtheworld · Aug 29, 2010

Lol, whoops, completely forgot the Intake part.

But yes, as CoffeemateCNA said, you estimate the amount of liquid consumed in ccs, and you estimate the percentage of food eaten.

Dorali, BSN, LPN, RN · Aug 31, 2010

Just wanted to confirm the above.

Intake and output is measured in cc's (mL is the same as cc's, I believe).

Usually, the cups are 120 cc, 240 cc, 360 cc... Anything that melts is considered a liquid also, like Jello. If they drink half of a 120 cup, it's 60 cc. If they drink that half plus a 240 cup, it's 300 cc. Just a little math. :) As for food, it's usually measured in 25% increments. 1/4 of the plate is 25%, 1/2 is 50%, 3/4 is 75% or all of it is 100%. Easy.

Catheters are emptied into graduated cylinders and measurements are on the side of the cylinder. Set the container on a flat surface and see what it says.

Since you didn't get that training, I want to add that when emptying catheters you are supposed to set a paper towel underneath the cylinder.

Potty hats are put underneath the lid of the toilet seat and it has measurements on it also.

BMs are measured small, medium, and large. If you work in LTC, you will get used to your residents and learn how much is actually a small or large for that person. Gross, but true! Lol!

Dondie