Fluid Balance - Intake and Output (I&O)

What is Fluid Balance and Its Importance in Patient Monitoring

Fluid balance (Intake and Output) is essential to monitor a patient's fluid equilibrium. During a shift, nursing staff records fluid intake and output over a 12-hour period, continuing the previous shift's record. The 24-hour fluid balance calculation is finalized by the registered nurse, providing results that guide critical clinical decisions.

The Variables: It calculates the Total Fluid Intake in milliliters (mL) and Total Fluid Output in milliliters (mL). Note: If tracking in fluid ounces (fl oz) locally, remember to convert (1 fl oz ≈ 30 mL) before inputting.
Fluid Intake: The sum of all liquids ingested by or infused into the patient via oral, enteral, parenteral (IV) routes, among others.
Fluid Output: The sum of all liquids lost by the patient through urine, emesis (vomit), surgical drains, among others.

Fluid Balance Calculator - Intake and Output (I&O)

Intake (mL)

Oral (PO) Enteral Tube Parenteral (IV) Other

Intake Subtotal: 0 mL

Output (mL)

Urine Emesis (Vomit) Drains Other

Output Subtotal: 0 mL

Reference:

Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. (2022). Lippincott Nursing Procedures (9th ed.). Fluid intake and output monitoring. Wolters Kluwer.