A client with an elevated body temperature and excessive sweating is prescribed intake and output measurements. What should the nurse include when making these measurements? (Select all that apply.)

Question

a. Sensible water loss
b. Insensible water loss
c. Indeterminate water loss
d. Indiscriminate water loss
e. Uncompensated water loss

Answer 1

a. Sensible water loss and b. Insensible water loss

Water lost from the body by sweating is referred to as insensible water loss because it is difficult to measure. Sensible water loss refers to water loss which is measurable such as water eliminated in urine. Both types of water lost are calculated to monitor for dehydration. Indeterminate, uncompensated, and indiscriminate are not terms used to define water loss.
Water lost from the body by sweating is referred to as insensible water loss because it is difficult to measure. Sensible water loss refers to water loss which is measurable such as water eliminated in urine. Both types of water lost are calculated to monitor for dehydration. Indeterminate, uncompensated, and indiscriminate are not terms used to define water loss.