A client’s 24-hour fluid balance calculation includes 895 mL IV fluid, 150 mL antibiotic IV, 16 ounces of water, two 4-ounce containers of gelatin, and one cup of creamy potato soup. The client voided 480 mL, 300 mL and 500 mL; vomited 300 mL and 175 mL. How many mL of positive fluid balance should be entered?

• A. 200 mL
• B. 250 mL
• C. 300 mL
• D. 350 mL

Answer: (B)

The idea is to determine net fluid balance by converting every input and output to the same unit (milliliters) and subtracting outputs from inputs.

Add up all the intake in milliliters: 895 mL plus 150 mL equals 1045 mL. Convert the non-mL items: 16 ounces of water is about 480 mL (16 oz × 30 mL/oz). Gelatin is two 4-ounce containers, totaling 8 oz, which is about 240 mL. One cup of creamy potato soup is 8 oz, about 240 mL. So total intake is 1045 + 480 + 240 + 240 = 2005 mL.

Add up all outputs in milliliters: voided amounts are 480 + 300 + 500 = 1280 mL. Vomited amounts are 300 + 175 = 475 mL. Total outputs = 1280 + 475 = 1755 mL.

Net positive fluid balance = 2005 mL − 1755 mL = 250 mL.

The patient’s positive fluid balance is 250 mL.