Which of the following is a common medical complication after spinal cord injury?

• A. Urinary tract infection
• B. Hyperglycemia with polyuria
• C. Dehydration
• D. Jejunal ulcers

Answer: (A)

Spinal cord injury often disrupts bladder control, leading to a neurogenic bladder. When bladder emptying is impaired and many patients rely on catheterization, bacteria have a route to ascend into the urinary tract, making urinary tract infection the most common medical complication after SCI. Prevention hinges on careful catheter care, minimizing catheter use when possible, and monitoring for UTI symptoms such as fever, urgency, or dysuria.

The other options don’t fit as typical post-SCI complications. Hyperglycemia with polyuria points to diabetes rather than an SCI-specific issue. Dehydration and jejunal ulcers aren’t among the most common or characteristic complications directly linked to spinal cord injury.