Fluid Balance

Fluid Balance Report

Fluid balance is essential for monitoring a patient's fluid equilibrium. Intake and output data are recorded by the nursing technician during their 12-hour shift, continuing the 12-hour record made by the previous shift's nursing technician, with careful charting in the patient's record. The calculation and closing of the 24-hour fluid balance are the responsibility of the registered nurse on duty, and are fundamental for making accurate clinical decisions.

Attention, professionals:

• Nursing Technician: Remember to record all fluid intake and output values and report the values to the nurse at the end of the shift.
• Registered Nurse: Don't forget to close the 24-hour fluid balance to ensure quality patient care.

This practice is directly aligned with Patient Safety Goal 02: Effective Communication among the Multidisciplinary Team. The nursing technician reports the patient's fluid intake and output at the end of the shift to the nurse, and after closing the fluid balance, the nurse reports the final balance value to the next nurse and the visiting doctor during the shift change. Effective communication among the team improves the quality of patient care.

IMPORTANT: IF THE FLUID BALANCE IS POSITIVE OR NEGATIVE, IT IS OBLIGATORY FOR THE REGISTERED NURSE TO NOTIFY THE VISITING DOCTOR TO ENSURE CONTINUITY OF CARE.