Florida Nursing Assistant Competency Pracrice Exam

What is the primary purpose of monitoring and recording urinal output?

1. To ensure comfort for the client

2. To balance intake with output

3. To check for blood in urine

4. To assess medication effectiveness

The correct answer is: To balance intake with output

The primary purpose of monitoring and recording urinal output is to balance intake with output. Maintaining a proper balance between what a patient consumes and their urination is vital for assessing their overall fluid status and health. This helps to identify any potential issues, such as dehydration or fluid overload, which can have serious implications for a patient’s health. By keeping track of urine output, healthcare providers can evaluate kidney function, detect potential urinary or systemic problems, and ensure that the patient is receiving the appropriate volume of fluids. An accurate record of urinal output also aids in making informed decisions about interventions and care plans based on the patient's needs and responses to treatment. This monitoring can be particularly important in settings where patients are at risk for complications related to fluid balance, such as those with heart or kidney conditions. While ensuring comfort for the client, checking for blood in urine, and assessing medication effectiveness are all important aspects of patient care, they serve more specific purposes rather than the foundational role that monitoring fluid balance plays in overall patient health management.