A client with myasthenia gravis has lost 6 kg of weight over the last 2 months. What should the nurse suggest to improve this client's nutritional status?

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: A skilled nursing facility is a type of long-term care facility that provides 24-hour nursing care and supervision for residents who need assistance with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, eating, and toileting. A skilled nursing facility may not be suitable for a young client with multiple sclerosis who has the potential for improvement and recovery.

Choice B reason: Home care services are a type of community-based care that provides medical and personal care to clients in their own homes. Home care services may include nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, social work, or home health aide services. Home care services may be appropriate for a client with multiple sclerosis who has mild to moderate symptoms and a supportive family or caregiver.

Choice C reason: A rehabilitation facility is a type of short-term care facility that provides intensive physical and occupational therapy to clients who have functional impairments due to injury, illness, or surgery. A rehabilitation facility may also provide medical, nursing, and psychological care to clients who need them. A rehabilitation facility may be suitable for a client with multiple sclerosis who has significant muscle weakness and needs to regain strength, mobility, and independence.

Choice D reason: A sub-acute care facility is a type of transitional care facility that provides medical and nursing care to clients who are stable but need complex monitoring or treatment that cannot be provided at home or in a skilled nursing facility. A sub-acute care facility may also provide rehabilitation services to clients who need them. A sub-acute care facility may not be appropriate for a young client with multiple sclerosis who has the potential for improvement and recovery.