What it means
The most accurate everyday measure of fluid gain or loss: 1 kg of weight gained or lost in a day is about 1 liter of fluid. It is usually done in the morning, after the client urinates and before breakfast. It is used for clients with heart failure, kidney disease or fluid problems and those on diuretics.
For the nurse
Teach a client with heart failure to weigh themselves at home every morning and to call the provider for a gain of about 2 to 3 pounds (1 kg) in a day or 5 pounds (2 kg) in a week, or as their provider directs.
At a glance
| Also written | daily weights |
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Related terms
heart failure
A long-term condition in which the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body's needs.
intake and output
The measured record of all fluids a client takes in and all fluids that leave the body over a set time.
fluid overload
Too much fluid in the body, in the blood vessels and the tissues.