Pediatric Nursing Q 182
A nurse is monitoring the intake and output of an infant receiving furosemide (Lasix) IV. Which of the following methods is the most appropriate in measuring the urine output?
A. Ask the mother regarding the number of diaper changes
B. Compare intake with output
C. Weighing the diaper
D. Insert Foley catheter
Correct Answer: C. Weighing the diaper.
The most appropriate method for measuring urine output of an infant is by weighing the diaper. The infant is placed on a preweighed, absorbent diaper. Urine output then is determined from the volume of urine in the bag and the increase in the weight of the diaper that has occurred between urine collections.
Option A: Measuring output can also be achieved by placing a urine bag with adhesive edges on the infant, aspirating the bag, and determining the volume of urine therein. Unfortunately, urine leakage occurs around the bag.
Option B: This will not provide an accurate measure of the urine output. Measure urine output in a diaper. If a child cannot use a bedpan or other measuring device for urinating, a diaper can be weighed. Zero an empty scale that uses gram measurements. Place a dry, new diaper on the scale, zero the scale again, remove the diaper and use it.
Option D: Inserting a foley catheter will provide the most accurate measurement but it gives the infant the risk of urinary tract infection. To measure the wet diaper, place it on the scale that has been zeroed with that diaper, and measure the grams. Grams translate to milliliters (1 gram = 1 ml) for the I & O chart.