Calculate the client's fluid balance after drinking two 6-oz cups of tea and vomiting 125 mL over an 8-hour shift. What is the fluid balance in mL?

To calculate the client's fluid balance, you need to account for both the fluid intake and the fluid loss. In this scenario, the fluid intake comes from the two cups of tea, each containing 6 ounces.

First, convert ounces to milliliters, knowing that 1 ounce is approximately 29.57 mL. Therefore, two cups of tea equals:

2 cups × 6 ounces/cup × 29.57 mL/ounce = 355.44 mL of intake.

Next, the client experienced a fluid loss of 125 mL due to vomiting.

To find the fluid balance, subtract the fluid loss from the fluid intake:

355.44 mL (intake) - 125 mL (loss) = 230.44 mL.

However, the closest answer choice is rounded to 235 mL, which is sensible given the calculation.

Thus, the fluid balance is 235 mL, indicating that after accounting for the tea consumed and the vomited amount, the client has a net positive fluid balance. This type of calculation is crucial in managing a patient's hydration status effectively.