Question

Compute the average hourly urinary output in each of the following situations (round to nearest whole number). \(640 \mathrm{~mL}\) in \(24 \mathrm{hr}\)

Short answer

27 mL/hour

Step-by-step solution

Define Average Hourly Output

To find the average hourly urinary output, we need to divide the total urinary output by the total number of hours. In this exercise, the total output is given as \(640 \, \text{mL}\) over \(24\) hours.

Perform the Division

Calculate the average hourly output by dividing the total output by the total hours: \[ \frac{640 \, \text{mL}}{24 \, \text{hours}}. \]

Simplify the Computation

Perform the division to find \(640 \, \text{mL} \div 24 \, \text{hours} = 26.67 \, \text{mL/hour}.\)

Round to the Nearest Whole Number

Round \(26.67 \, \text{mL/hour}\) to the nearest whole number, which gives us \(27 \, \text{mL/hour}.\)

Key concepts

Urinary Output Calculation

Urinary output calculation is an essential skill for anyone in the nursing profession. It helps healthcare providers keep track of a patient's kidneys and overall health status. Calculating urinary output typically involves measuring the volume of urine a patient produces over a set period and then using that data to determine an average rate per hour. This average helps assess whether a patient is within normal urinary output ranges. To achieve this, follow these steps:

• Gather the total urinary output in milliliters (mL) over a specified period, usually 24 hours.
• Divide this total amount by the number of hours in that period to find the hourly output.
• Finally, if necessary, round the result to the nearest whole number for practical use in care management.

This method ensures that fluid intake and output monitoring is accurate, aiding in detecting potential health issues early on.

Mathematical Problem Solving in Nursing

Mathematical problem solving is a crucial aspect of nursing practice. Nurses often encounter situations that require quick calculations to ensure patient safety and effective healthcare delivery. In the context of urinary output calculations, accurate math is vital to monitor a patient's hydration status effectively.Performing these calculations efficiently requires understanding basic arithmetic and knowing how to apply it in daily nursing tasks. Let's break down the calculation process using our exercise example:

• Identify the Problem: Determine what you need to calculate. In our case, it's the average hourly urinary output.
• Gather Your Data: Have the total output (e.g., 640 mL) and the time period (e.g., 24 hours) ready.
• Perform the Calculation: Divide the total output by total hours (e.g., \(\frac{640 \, \text{mL}}{24 \, \text{hours}}\)).
• Round Appropriately: If needed, round your answer to ensure clarity and usability. With our result, 26.67 mL/hour rounds up to 27 mL/hour.

Understanding mathematical problem solving in nursing not only helps with task efficiency but also improves patient care quality by ensuring accurate data usage.

Healthcare Mathematics

Healthcare mathematics encompasses various numerical skills and operations used in the medical field to improve both patient outcomes and operational efficiency. One significant application of healthcare mathematics is accurately calculating medication dosages and fluid therapies, like urinary output, which is crucial for patient care. Why is healthcare mathematics important?

• Accuracy: Mathematics enables precise calculations, essential for dose accuracy and preventing medication errors.
• Efficiency: Quick and accurate computations allow healthcare providers to make faster decisions, impacting patient care positively.
• Resource Management: Managing healthcare resources effectively, like ensuring proper hydration levels, relies heavily on mathematical calculations.

Applying mathematics in these scenarios helps fulfill care protocols and regulatory standards, ensuring patients receive the right treatments at the right times. As such, a solid grasp of healthcare mathematics is crucial for anyone in the nursing field.