A method used to monitor hydration by recording intake and output

• A. Pulmonary Edema
• B. Daily Weights
• C. Intake and Output Monitoring
• D. Durable Power of Attorney

Answer: (C)

Monitoring hydration through intake and output means keeping a running record of every fluid the patient consumes and every fluid that leaves the body. This direct ledger of intake versus loss provides a real-time view of fluid balance, so dehydration or fluid overload can be detected early and treatment adjusted accordingly (fluids, diuretics, or restrictions).

Intake includes all fluids the patient takes in—oral, IV, tube feeds. Output includes urine, vomiting, liquid stools, drainage, and other measurable losses. While daily weights can reflect overall fluid changes over time, they don’t capture the immediate balance between intake and loss. Pulmonary edema is a condition related to excess fluid, not a method of monitoring, and durable power of attorney is unrelated to hydration assessment.