Final answer:
Adults generally require about 2500 mL of fluid per day, accounting for all dietary water sources. Based on the options given, most adults need about 1500-2000 mL per day for proper hydration, which corresponds to Option a.
Step-by-step explanation:
The usual daily fluid requirement for adults is approximately 2500 mL. This figure includes all dietary sources of water—not just drinking water, but also the moisture found in foods.
According to the Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine (IOM), the Adequate Intake (AI) for water for adult males is set at 3.7 liters and at 2.7 liters for adult females. However, it's essential to note that not all of this needs to come from pure water, as about 20% of water comes from solid foods.
Based on the provided options and the information given, the correct answer for Mr. J's daily fluid maintenance needs would be 1500-2000 mL (Option a) for most adults. This range accounts for water intake both from beverages and food sources.
Ensuring adequate water intake is crucial to balance the body's water output, which on average is 2.5 liters per day, through various routes like urine and insensible water loss such as evaporation from the skin and air expelled from the lungs.