Final answer:
To maintain optimum urinary flow and proper body hydration, a minimum daily water intake of 2000 to 2500 mL is recommended. This volume supports the body's need for fluid balance and waste excretion through urine.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nurse recommends that, in order to keep optimum flow through the urinary system, a person should have a minimum intake of 2000 to 2500 mL/day. On a typical day, the average adult will take in about 2500 mL (almost 3 quarts) of aqueous fluids. This volume compensates for water lost through urine, evaporation from the skin, and from air expelled from the lungs, ensuring proper hydration and the efficient removal of wastes by the kidneys.
A daily water input of 2000 to 2500 mL promotes a balance, accounting for both intake and insensible water loss, plus the metabolic generation of water. This helps maintain an adequate urine output for the excretion of solutes and prevents the risk of dehydration, which can adversely affect kidney function and overall health.