A client is receiving rehabilitation for paralysis following a spinal cord injury and is diagnosed with reflex incontinence. Which of the following is the highest priority intervention the nurse should include in the plan of care?

Choice A reason: Planning medication doses to occur before meals is a good suggestion to improve the client's nutritional status. Myasthenia gravis is a neuromuscular disorder that causes weakness and fatigue of the voluntary muscles, especially those involved in chewing and swallowing. Taking anticholinesterase medications before meals can enhance muscle strength and coordination, and make it easier for the client to eat and avoid choking or aspiration.

Choice B reason: Restricting drinking fluids before and during meals is not a good suggestion to improve the client's nutritional status. Fluid intake is important for hydration and digestion, and should not be limited unless there is a medical reason, such as fluid overload or heart failure. Drinking fluids before and during meals can also help lubricate the food and prevent dryness or irritation of the mouth and throat.

Choice C reason: Increasing the amount of fat and carbohydrates in meals is not a good suggestion to improve the client's nutritional status. Fat and carbohydrates are sources of energy, but they can also increase the risk of obesity, diabetes, or cardiovascular disease if consumed excessively. A balanced diet that includes adequate protein, vitamins, minerals, and fiber is more beneficial for the client's health and well-being.

Choice D reason: Eating three large meals per day is not a good suggestion to improve the client's nutritional status. Eating large meals can be difficult and exhausting for the client with myasthenia gravis, as their muscle strength and endurance may decline over time. Eating smaller and more frequent meals can help maintain the energy level and prevent fatigue or hunger.

Choice A reason: Providing total assistance with all ADLs is not an intervention that should be included in the client's plan. ADLs are activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, eating, and toileting. Providing total assistance with all ADLs can reduce the client's independence and self-esteem, and increase their dependence and learned helplessness. The nurse should encourage and assist the client to perform as much as they can by themselves and provide partial or intermittent assistance only when needed.

Choice B reason: Ordering a low-residue diet is not an intervention that should be included in the client's plan. A low-residue diet is a type of diet that limits foods that are high in fiber or indigestible material, such as whole grains, nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetables. A low-residue diet may be recommended for clients who have inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), diverticulitis, or bowel obstruction, as it can reduce bowel frequency and irritation. However, it is not indicated for clients who have MS, unless they have other comorbidities that require it. A balanced diet that includes adequate fiber, fluids, and nutrients is more beneficial for clients who have MS.

Choice C reason: Encouraging the client to void every hour is not an intervention that should be included in the client's plan. Voiding every hour can be inconvenient and impractical for the client, and may not address their bladder problems effectively. MS can cause bladder dysfunction, such as urinary urgency, frequency, incontinence, or retention, due to nerve damage that affects bladder control. The nurse should assess the type and severity of the bladder dysfunction, and provide appropriate interventions, such as medication, catheterization, pelvic floor exercises, or bladder training.

Choice D reason: Instructing the client on daily muscle stretching is an intervention that should be included in the client's plan. Muscle stretching is a type of exercise that involves extending or elongating a muscle or group of muscles to their full length. Muscle stretching can help prevent or relieve muscle spasticity, stiffness, pain, or contractures that may occur in clients who have MS. The nurse should teach the client how to perform muscle stretching safely and correctly, and encourage them to do it daily or as prescribed.