A nurse is calculating the intake and output for a client over the last 8 hr. The client is receiving a continuous IV infusion at 150 mL/hr and had 4 oz of juice and 0.5 L of water.
How many mL of fluid should the nurse document as the client’s intake for the last 8 hr? (Round your answer to the nearest whole number.)
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
To determine the total intake of fluids for the client over the last 8 hours, the nurse must consider all sources of fluid intake, including the IV infusion, juice, and water. The calculation is as follows:
Step 1: Calculate the fluid from the IV infusion
The IV infusion rate is 150 mL per hour. Since the infusion has been running for 8 hours, the total amount of fluid from the IV is:IV fluid=150 mL/hr×8 hr=1200 mL\text{IV fluid} = 150 \, \text{mL/hr} \times 8 \, \text{hr} = 1200 \, \text{mL}IV fluid=150mL/hr×8hr=1200mL
Step 2: Convert the fluid from juice to milliliters
The client consumed 4 ounces (oz) of juice. To convert ounces to milliliters, use the conversion factor where 1 oz = 30 mL:Juice=4 oz×30 mL/oz=120 mL\text{Juice} = 4 \, \text{oz} \times 30 \, \text{mL/oz} = 120 \, \text{mL}Juice=4oz×30mL/oz=120mL
Step 3: Convert the fluid from water to milliliters
The client consumed 0.5 liters (L) of water. Since 1 liter equals 1000 milliliters:Water=0.5 L×1000 mL/L=500 mL\text{Water} = 0.5 \, \text{L} \times 1000 \, \text{mL/L} = 500 \, \text{mL}Water=0.5L×1000mL/L=500mL
Step 4: Add all sources of fluid intake
Now, add the IV fluid, juice, and water to get the total fluid intake:Total Intake=1200 mL(IV)+120 mL(Juice)+500 mL(Water)=1820 mL\text{Total Intake} = 1200 \, \text{mL} (\text{IV}) + 120 \, \text{mL} (\text{Juice}) + 500 \, \text{mL} (\text{Water}) = 1820 \, \text{mL}Total Intake=1200mL(IV)+120mL(Juice)+500mL(Water)=1820mL
Final Answer
The nurse should document the client’s intake as 1820 mL.
Explanation
Accurate calculation of a client’s fluid intake is crucial for monitoring hydration status, managing fluid balance, and adjusting treatment plans. In this scenario, the nurse must take into account all fluids ingested orally and administered intravenously.
The IV infusion provides a steady, continuous supply of fluids, contributing significantly to the overall intake. In comparison, oral fluids such as juice and water are measured separately and must be converted into the same unit (milliliters) to be accurately summed with the IV fluids.
Calculating the fluid intake helps in identifying potential risks of dehydration or fluid overload, especially in clients with conditions like renal failure, heart failure, or those on fluid restrictions. This calculation aids the healthcare team in making informed decisions regarding fluid management, ensuring that the client receives appropriate care based on their specific needs and clinical condition.