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You are recording urinary output at the end of your 8-hour shift. An observation that must be reported to the nurse would be

From Documentation Questions and Answers

Answer choices

  1. A 500 ml of clear urine
  2. B 375 ml of clear urine
  3. C 250 ml of clear urine
  4. D 100 ml of clear urine

Correct answer: D. 100 ml of clear urine

Clinical Rationale

100 ml of clear urine must be reported to the nurse.

A urinary output of 100 ml is significantly lower than the expected normal range of urine production, which is typically around 800 to 2000 ml per day for a healthy adult. Such a low volume may indicate potential issues like dehydration or renal dysfunction, warranting immediate attention from the nursing staff.

A) 500 ml of clear urine

While 500 ml is within the normal range for an 8-hour shift, it does not represent a concerning observation that requires immediate reporting. This volume suggests adequate kidney function and hydration status, therefore it does not necessitate further action by the nurse.

B) 375 ml of clear urine

A urinary output of 375 ml is still considered acceptable and falls within a normal range for an 8-hour period. Although it is on the lower end, it does not indicate an alarming situation that would require urgent reporting to the nurse.

C) 250 ml of clear urine

Though 250 ml is lower than typical output, it may not be low enough to trigger immediate concern. It might warrant monitoring, but it does not reach the threshold that would require a formal report to the nurse regarding potential renal issues or dehydration.

D) 100 ml of clear urine

A urinary output of 100 ml is critically low for an 8-hour shift, suggesting possible dehydration, acute kidney injury, or other medical issues. This volume is alarming and necessitates prompt reporting to the nurse for further assessment and intervention.

Conclusion

Urinary output is a key indicator of renal function and hydration status. An output of 100 ml is drastically below the normal range and should be reported to the nurse for immediate evaluation. In contrast, outputs of 500 ml, 375 ml, and 250 ml are within acceptable limits and do not require urgent attention, highlighting the importance of monitoring and reporting significant deviations in patient output.

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