When measuring and recording urine output hourly, what instruction should the patient care technician give to the patient?

The correct instruction for the patient care technician to give to the patient is to void into the specimen collection device that has been provided. This is essential for accurately measuring and recording urine output, as it allows for consistent collection directly from the patient. Using a designated collection device ensures that the technician can easily quantify the exact amount of urine produced in an hour, which is crucial for monitoring the patient's kidney function and overall hydration status.

In contrast, saving all urine in a large container can lead to inaccuracies in hourly measurements, especially if the collection spans more than one hour. Flushing the toilet after each void would prevent the technician from accurately measuring the output, as it would eliminate the evidence of the volume passed. Finally, limiting fluid intake before voiding is not appropriate, as it might lead to decreased urine output that does not properly reflect the patient's actual kidney function and hydration state.