Measure and record individuals’ body fluid output
Overview
This standard covers the measurement of body fluid outputs (blood, urine and gastric aspirate) and wound drainage or irrigation as delegated by the registered practitioner. This standard does not cover autologous transfusion systems.
All actions and decisions should be carried out in accordance with current legislation, organisational policies, clinical protocols, and professional standards
Users of this standard will need to communicate effectively to meet individuals' needs and wishes and work in line with health and safety legislation, policy and practices
Performance criteria
You must be able to:
P1. identify and agree the roles and responsibilities of yourself and others in measuring and recording individuals’ body fluid output
P2. communicate with the individual and key people at a pace, in a manner and at a level appropriate to the individual's understanding, preferences and needs
P3. respect the individual's rights and wishes relating to their consent, privacy, beliefs, and dignity
P4. measure individuals' body fluid output accurately using the method of measuring at specified time(s) according to the plan of care, or as directed by the registered practitioner
P5. dispose of single use equipment following organisational policy and procedures
P6. clean re-useable equipment after use and return it to the agreed place for storage or collection in accordance with manufacturers instructions and workplace procedures
P7. complete all relevant documentation required for measuring and recording individuals’ body fluid output
Knowledge and Understanding
You need to know and understand:
K1. the current legislation, local guidelines, policies, procedures and protocols which are relevant to your work practice and to which you must adhere
K2. the scope and limitations of your own competence, responsibilities and accountability as it applies to your job role
K3. how to access and interpret all relevant work instructions and information
K4. specific procedures for reporting issues which are beyond your competence, responsibilities and accountability
K5. the hazards and risks which may arise during the execution of your work role and how you can minimise these
K6. how to adapt communication styles in ways which are appropriate to the needs of the individual
K7. the principles, practice and procedures associated with informed consent
K8. the needs of individuals and carers including issues relating to dignity, confidentiality and privacy
K9. the application of standard infection control precautions and correct use of equipment to measuring body fluid output and wound drainage and weighing swabs, and the potential consequences of poor practice
K10. the types, purpose and function of materials and equipment needed for measuring body fluid output and wound drainage
K11. the purposes of measuring individuals' body fluid output and wound drainage
K12. how to get accurate fluid loss measurements whilst distinguishing between body fluids and those introduced during clinical procedures
K13. how to complete reports required for measuring and recording individuals’ body fluid output