If there is a significant change in intake or output, what should you do?

If there is a significant change in intake or output, what should you do?

• A. Document the change privately but report later.
• B. Report to the nurse promptly.
• C. Ignore the change if not severe.
• D. Wait until the end of shift to report.

Answer: (B)

Significant changes in intake or output signal potential shifts in a patient’s fluid balance and can indicate dehydration, fluid overload, electrolyte issues, or bleeding. The best action is to report the change to the nurse promptly so they can assess the situation, recheck measurements, and decide on any needed interventions. Delaying reporting—whether by documenting privately and telling someone later, ignoring it because it doesn’t seem severe, or waiting until the end of the shift—can miss a developing problem and put the patient at risk.

Significant changes in intake or output signal potential shifts in a patient’s fluid balance and can indicate dehydration, fluid overload, electrolyte issues, or bleeding. The best action is to report the change to the nurse promptly so they can assess the situation, recheck measurements, and decide on any needed interventions. Delaying reporting—whether by documenting privately and telling someone later, ignoring it because it doesn’t seem severe, or waiting until the end of the shift—can miss a developing problem and put the patient at risk.