CNA Certification (Written Exam)Basic Nursing SkillsHard
A resident's shift output included 350 mL of urine, 4 oz of vomitus, and 100 mL from a wound drainage collection device. What is the total output in milliliters that the nurse aide should record?
- A470 mL
- B450 mL
- C690 mL
- D570 mL
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. 570 mL
Convert the vomitus to mL: 4 oz x 30 mL/oz = 120 mL. Total output = 350 mL (urine) + 120 mL (vomitus) + 100 mL (drainage) = 570 mL.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. 470 mL underestimates the vomitus conversion.
- B. 450 mL omits the drainage or miscalculates the conversion.
- C. 690 mL overestimates one of the components, likely double-counting.
Total Output Calculation
Total fluid output combines all sources (urine, emesis, drainage) after converting all measurements to the same unit, typically milliliters.
- 1 ounce = 30 mL for conversions
- Add all output sources together for the shift total
- Report unusually high or low output to the nurse
Memory trick: 'Convert first, then add it all up'