A catheterized client outputs 350ml of urine over a 24 hour period. How should the nurse document this observation?

The appropriate documentation for a client who outputs 350 ml of urine over a 24-hour period is oliguria. Oliguria is defined as a urine output that is less than 400 ml per day for adults, indicating that the kidneys are not producing enough urine.

In this scenario, since the client's output is significantly below the normal threshold for urine production (which typically ranges from 800 ml to 2000 ml per day), documenting this observation as oliguria accurately reflects the client's condition and warrants further investigation into potential causes, such as dehydration, kidney issues, or urinary obstruction.

Other terms, such as anuria, refer to a complete absence of urine output, polyuria indicates excessive urine production, and dysuria pertains to painful urination. Therefore, oliguria is the most precise term to use when documenting this client's urine output.