Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse (CRRN) Practice Exam

What is the most appropriate nursing intervention for fluid volume imbalance?

1. Administer diuretics

2. Monitor intake and output

3. Encourage fluid restriction

4. Perform daily weight checks

The correct answer is: Monitor intake and output

Monitoring intake and output is a crucial nursing intervention for managing fluid volume imbalance. This practice allows healthcare providers to assess the patient’s fluid status accurately. By tracking the amount of fluid consumed versus the amount eliminated, nurses can identify trends that may indicate fluid overload or deficit. This ongoing assessment is essential in determining the effectiveness of interventions aimed at correcting the fluid imbalance, guiding future care decisions, and alerting the medical team to any significant changes in the patient’s condition. In addition, monitoring intake and output is non-invasive and can be easily integrated into routine care, making it a practical and safe approach. Other interventions such as administering diuretics, encouraging fluid restrictions, or performing daily weight checks also play important roles in fluid management but are typically supplementary to the foundational practice of monitoring intake and output. Understanding fluid balance through careful observation assists in maintaining the overall well-being of the patient and prepares the nursing staff to respond swiftly to potential complications.