When measuring urinary output, the amount should be recorded within plus or minus how many milliliters of the evaluator's reading?

• A. 5 ml
• B. 15 ml
• C. 25 ml
• D. 50 ml

Answer: (C)

Measuring urinary output requires recording with a practical level of precision that matches the tools used. The standard tolerance is plus or minus 25 mL because common urine collection containers have marks spaced every 25 mL, and this level of accuracy is considered reliable and consistent in nursing assistant practice. When you read the container, you document to the nearest 25 mL, and the recorded amount should be within 25 mL of the true volume. Smaller tolerances would demand finer markings than those typically available, while larger tolerances would reduce consistency across staff.