Which statement describes best practice for recording intake and output during meals and fluids?

• A. Identify foods to be considered.
• B. Measure output using a graduate.
• C. Record liquid taken by resident in cc or mL.
• D. Report any unusual color, amount, odor, or particles.

Answer: (C)

Accurate I&O recording hinges on documenting exactly how much liquid the resident takes in, using precise metric units. Recording the amount of liquid consumed in milliliters (or cubic centimeters, since 1 mL = 1 cc) provides a clear, standard measure that can be compared over time to assess hydration and fluid balance. Using a graduated measuring container helps ensure the number is precise rather than approximate. The other ideas aren’t as directly tied to documenting how much was actually ingested: noting foods relates to diet content rather than fluid intake, while reporting unusual color, odor, or particles concerns observations about output but doesn’t capture the amount consumed, and measuring output is valuable but focuses on what leaves the body rather than what was taken in.