CNA Certification (Written Exam)Basic Nursing SkillsMedium
A resident's urinary output for the past 8-hour shift was 180 mL. The nurse aide should report this finding because it indicates:
- AA need to increase the resident's fluid intake immediately by 100 mL.
- BNormal urinary output for an 8-hour period.
- CExcessive urinary output, indicating overhydration.
- DPotentially low urinary output, requiring further assessment.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Potentially low urinary output, requiring further assessment.
Normal adult urinary output is typically 30-50 mL per hour, or approximately 240-400 mL over an 8-hour shift. An output of 180 mL in 8 hours (22.5 mL/hr) is below the normal range and could indicate dehydration, kidney issues, or other problems, requiring further assessment by the nurse.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. While increasing fluids might be indicated, the nurse aide's role is to report, not to independently prescribe interventions like increasing fluid intake.
- B. 180 mL over 8 hours is below the normal range of 240-400 mL for that period.
- C. This output is significantly low, not excessive.
Normal Adult Urinary Output
The expected volume of urine produced by an adult in a given timeframe, typically 30-50 mL per hour or 720-1200 mL per 24 hours.
- Minimum acceptable hourly output is 30 mL/hr
- Output below 30 mL/hr (oliguria) is concerning
- Output below 100 mL/24 hr (anuria) is critical
- Report significant deviations to the nurse
Memory trick: Think 30 an hour, or call the nurse with power!