I&O is an abbreviation used in patient records. What does it stand for?

I&O is an abbreviation used in patient records. What does it stand for?

• A. Input and Output
• B. Inflow and Outflow
• C. Intake and Output
• D. Inlet and Output

Answer: (C)

Tracking fluid balance is the main idea behind I&O. I&O stands for intake and output, documenting what a patient takes in and what they release. Intake covers all fluids the patient consumes or receives, including oral drinks, IV fluids, and tube feeds. Output covers all fluid losses, such as urine, vomit, diarrhea, wound drainage, and fluids removed by suction. This quick record helps nurses and doctors assess hydration status, kidney function, and whether treatments like fluids or diuretics need adjustment. Other phrases like input and output, inflow and outflow, or inlet and output aren’t the standard terms used in patient records, so the precise, widely adopted phrasing is intake and output.

Tracking fluid balance is the main idea behind I&O. I&O stands for intake and output, documenting what a patient takes in and what they release. Intake covers all fluids the patient consumes or receives, including oral drinks, IV fluids, and tube feeds. Output covers all fluid losses, such as urine, vomit, diarrhea, wound drainage, and fluids removed by suction. This quick record helps nurses and doctors assess hydration status, kidney function, and whether treatments like fluids or diuretics need adjustment. Other phrases like input and output, inflow and outflow, or inlet and output aren’t the standard terms used in patient records, so the precise, widely adopted phrasing is intake and output.