How close to the evaluator’s reading should the recorded urinary output be?

• A. Within plus or minus 5 cc
• B. Within plus or minus 25 cc
• C. Exact measurement only
• D. Within plus or minus 100 cc

Answer: (B)

Recording urinary output accurately is essential, and the tolerance you’re expected to meet is within plus or minus 25 mL. This range recognizes small, unavoidable differences that happen when reading a graduated cylinder, timing when the sample is collected, and rounding to the nearest 5 or 10 mL. It keeps your measurement realistic and useful for fluid balance without demanding impossible precision in a practice setting. A much tighter margin, like plus or minus 5 mL, would be impractical given typical equipment and task timing. A much wider margin, such as plus or minus 100 mL, would allow errors that could affect patient care. To help stay within 25 mL, use a clean graduated cylinder, avoid sloshing, read at eye level, note any rounding, and record promptly.