Input and output (medicine)

Intake and output (also abbreviated I&O)medically related: [1].

Intake is the act of consuming or taking in of food, fluids, or substances into the body. Output is the process of waste exiting the body. When there is a risk of or actual nutritional or fluid deficit; food, fluids, or substances may be administered to enhance the nutritional wellbeing of the individual. If the individual is unable to consume orally (by mouth) feeding tubes may be used to provide nutrients, medications, and fluids. Refer to "feeding tube."

Elimination is the process of the body's removal of waste products. Bodily waste elimination is the discharging of feces, urine, or foreign substances from the body via defecation, urination, and emesis. Output is the measurement of the bodily waste.

  • With self-toileting patients on I & O, or those who are assisted to a regular toilet or portable commode, a receptacle is placed in the toilet bowl that catches all urine that is put out by the patient. This, in turn, is measured and recorded prior to its disposal.
  • If the patient is using a bedpan, the urine is measured prior to its disposal.
  • Urinals usually contain measuring lines providing easy measurement.
  • Certain medical conditions require an indwelling urinary catheter. Urine is collected in the collection bag. The urine is then drained from the bag into a measuring container. The amount of urine is measured and recorded.

Output also incorporates the amount of drainage from surgical drainage systems, and other drainage tubes.


The article "Measuring and managing fluid balance" (Shepherd,2011) explains fluid balance and the purpose for assessing hydration and measuring fluid balance.


References

  1. ↑ Measurement of a patient's fluid intake by mouth, feeding tubes, or intravenous catheters and output from kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, drainage tubes, and wounds. Accurate 24-hr measurement and recording is an essential part of patient assessment

intake and output. (n.d.) Medical Dictionary for the Health Professions and Nursing. (2012). Retrieved September 7 2017 from http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/intake+and+output

A.Shepherd, 2011. Measuring and managing fluid balance. Retrieved from https://www.nursingtimes.net/Journals/1/Files/2011/8/1/Fluid%20balanceCorr.pdf.pdf

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