Final answer:
A CPCT should record a patient's I&O every shift or as prescribed by the healthcare provider, usually every 8 to 12 hours, though some conditions require hourly monitoring.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student is asking about the frequency of monitoring and recording intake and output (I&O), which is a common practice in healthcare, especially in patients with strict fluid management needs. A Certified Patient Care Technician (CPCT) should record a patient's I&O every shift, or as ordered by the healthcare provider. This typically translates to checking every 8 to 12 hours, depending on the institution's policy and the patient's condition. In some cases, when more intense monitoring is required, I&O might be tallied every hour.
Strict I&O monitoring is crucial in managing patients who are at risk for fluid volume imbalances, such as those with kidney conditions, heart failure, or those recovering from certain medical procedures. Javier's situation post-angioplasty and subsequent symptoms suggest a possible infection that could further necessitate close I&O monitoring to manage his dehydration and overall fluid status.