Which action should the nurse take when documenting input and output?

When documenting input and output, it is essential to capture a complete picture of a patient's fluid balance. This includes all liquid intake, which encompasses not just the intake from meals and oral fluids but also any flushes, intravenous fluids, and medications given in liquid form. By documenting all liquid intake, the nurse ensures that a comprehensive record is maintained, which is crucial for assessing hydration status, guiding further treatment decisions, and ensuring patient safety.

Recording all liquid intake provides valuable information for monitoring fluid balance, especially in patients who are at risk for dehydration or fluid overload. It also aids in clinical decision-making, helping to adjust fluid therapy based on accurate input-output data. A partial record, focusing only on certain types of intake, would not provide a complete overview and could lead to mismanagement of the patient's condition. Thus, documenting all liquid intake, including flushes, ensures adherence to best practices in patient care.