What does I&O stand for in nursing records?

• A. Input and Output
• B. Intake and Output
• C. Ingestion and Output
• D. Intake and Overflows

Answer: (B)

The main idea is tracking a patient’s fluid balance by recording what goes into and comes out of the body. In nursing records, this is documented as Intake and Output. Intake includes all fluids entering the body—oral fluids, IV infusions, tube feedings, and other fluid-containing administrations. Output covers measurable fluid losses—urine, vomit, gastric suction, wound or drain drainage, and diarrhea. Insensible losses like sweat aren’t usually measured unless a specific estimate is needed.

This ongoing tally helps clinicians assess hydration status, kidney function, and the patient’s response to treatments such as IV fluids or diuretics, and it guides decisions to prevent dehydration or fluid overload.

Other terms don’t fit clinical charting as neatly: “input” is a less precise term for this context, “ingestion” refers only to swallowing, and “overflows” isn’t a recognized part of nursing documentation.