Question

Which of the following observations BEST indicates to the nurse that a client diagnosed with paraplegia can adequately carry out activities of daily living at home after discharge?

1) The client shaves and brushes his teeth.
2) The client transfers himself into and out of his wheelchair.
3) The client maneuvers the wheelchair without difficulty.
4) The client prepares well-balanced meals.

Answer 1

The ability to prepare well-balanced meals best demonstrates a paraplegic client's capability for independent living after discharge, as it encompasses both physical and cognitive competencies for daily self-care.

Step-by-step explanation:

The observation that best indicates a client diagnosed with paraplegia can adequately carry out activities of daily living (ADLs) at home after discharge is option 4) The client prepares well-balanced meals. While shaving and brushing teeth (1), transferring into and out of a wheelchair (2), and maneuvering a wheelchair without difficulty (3) are important functions for independence, the ability to prepare well-balanced meals is a more comprehensive indicator of the client's capability to take care of their nutritional needs and to plan and execute complex tasks. This ability reflects not only physical capabilities but also cognitive skills such as problem-solving and understanding instructions, elements that are crucial for performing a wide range of ADLs and for living independently. Considering the challenges presented by a spinal cord injury, which can impair the ability to feel or move parts of the body, demonstrating this level of independence in meal preparation is indicative of an advanced degree of self-sufficiency.

Technologies like brain-computer interface may offer additional support for individuals with paraplegia, allowing them to command devices such as computers or wheelchairs directly with neural signals, further enhancing their ability to perform ADLs.