Question

3) A nurse evaluates a patient's fluid balance by monitoring the patient's intake and output. Which must the nurse understand about the ratio of the patient's fluid intake and output?

1. Intake should be slightly more than the output
2. Intake should be higher than the fluid output
3. Intake should be lower than the urine output
4. Intake should be equal to the urine output

Answer 1

To maintain fluid homeostasis, a nurse should understand that a patient's fluid intake should generally be equal to the fluid output to maintain a proper water balance.

Step-by-step explanation:

A nurse must understand that the fluid balance in a patient involves maintaining equilibrium between water intake and output. It is essential to know that on average, the total water intake should roughly equal the total water output per day.

Most of the water exit from the body is through urine, with the kidneys adjusting urine concentration based on the body's hydration needs.

When evaluating a patient's fluid intake and output, the aim is typically that intake should be roughly equal to output to maintain this balance, although transient fluctuations are normal depending on factors such as diet and activity level.