Why do you use fluid balance charts?

A "fluid balance" chart is also known as an "I/O" chart for intake and output. An I/O is the record a nurse or nursing staff writes, giving the intake and output of fluids in ml/cc's. The I/O includes what is taken in through IVs, gastric lavages, catheter flushes, as well as orally or rectally (such as during an enema). "Return" after an enema, amounts from drainage or returns from flushes, and urinary output create the totals for "output".