Which item is included in home readiness for spinal cord injury to monitor fluid status?

• A. I&O
• B. X-ray
• C. CT scan
• D. MRI

Answer: (A)

Tracking fluid status at home relies on recording intake and output. This simple, practical tool lets caregivers see the daily balance between what’s consumed and what’s eliminated, including all fluids taken (water, juice, soups, IV fluids) and all outputs (urine, vomiting, diarrhea, wound drainage). In spinal cord injury care, keeping an accurate I&O log helps detect dehydration or fluid overload, which can affect circulation, kidney function, and overall recovery. Imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs visualize anatomy and injuries but aren’t practical for daily fluid monitoring and involve hospital visits or exposures; they don’t provide real-time data about how much fluid the body is retaining or losing. So, the best choice for home readiness to monitor fluid status is intake and output.