I&O stands for which concept?

• A. Initial Observations
• B. Intake and Output
• C. Infection Prevention
• D. Integumentary System

Answer: (B)

I&O stands for Intake and Output, which is the practice of measuring a resident's fluid balance. It records all fluids a person takes in (drinking, IV fluids, tube feedings) and all fluids they lose (urine, stool, vomiting, wound drainage, perspiration) over a set period. For CNAs, keeping accurate I&O helps the nurse monitor hydration status and kidney function, and flags changes in fluid balance that may require actions like adjusting fluids or reporting to the nurse. For example, if a resident drinks 240 mL and produces about 200 mL of urine in a shift, the balance suggests slight fluid loss; tracking this over time helps detect dehydration or fluid overload.

Initial Observations are early notes about a patient’s condition, not the ongoing measurement of fluid balance. Infection Prevention is about stopping infections, and the Integumentary System refers to the skin and related structures. None of those focus on tracking fluids the way Intake and Output does.