What dietary considerations should be made for a spastic quadriplegic patient?

For a spastic quadriplegic patient, it's important to address the unique challenges posed by their condition, particularly regarding energy needs, fluid intake, and bowel regularity. The correct answer indicates that fewer calories, increased fluid, and fiber are key dietary considerations.

Patients with spastic quadriplegia often have limited mobility, which can lead to reduced caloric expenditure. Therefore, a lower calorie intake aligns with their decreased energy requirements. On the other hand, these patients may experience constipation due to reduced mobility, so increasing fiber in the diet aids in promoting regular bowel movements and enhancing digestive health.

Moreover, increasing fluid intake is essential for preventing dehydration and further supporting bowel health. The combination of increased fiber and fluids helps to maintain softer stools, making bowel movements easier, which is particularly important for individuals with reduced physical ability to manage this on their own.

This dietary approach contributes to overall health and can help prevent complications associated with both malnutrition and constipation in spastic quadriplegic patients.