Question

A client is diagnosed with stage 3 amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The client and family establish a goal of maintaining engagement in leisure activities. Which is the BEST for the therapist to recommend?

1) Provide smart technology
2) Implement caregiver training
3) Encourage active range-of-motion (ROM) exercise
4) Continue with normal activity

Answer 1

For a client with stage 3 ALS, the best recommendation to help them stay engaged in leisure activities is to provide smart technology, such as a brain-computer interface (BCI). This technology allows people with paralysis to control a computer and communicate using only their thoughts.

Step-by-step explanation:

The best recommendation for a therapist to make for a client diagnosed with stage 3 amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and who wishes to maintain engagement in leisure activities would be to provide smart technology, specifically a brain-computer interface (BCI). ALS is a neurological disease that leads to the degeneration of motor neurons and loss of muscle control, ultimately resulting in paralysis. BCI technology allows individuals with severe physical limitations to control a computer and communicate using their thoughts, thus enabling them to engage in various activities such as emailing, internet browsing, and using social media.

While options like caregiver training and encouraging active range-of-motion (ROM) exercise may offer benefits in overall care and physical conditioning, they cannot replace the crucial communicative function provided by BCI in individuals with advanced ALS, who might be 'locked-in' and unable to perform physical activities. Therefore, for the specific goal of maintaining leisure activities, BCI technology is the most appropriate recommendation.