For a person with T4 AIS A paraplegia, which ADLs are most likely independent?

For a person with T4 AIS A paraplegia, which ADLs are most likely independent?

• A. Independent in feeding, bathing, dressing, grooming, bowel and bladder, skin inspection, and homemaking (except heavy cleaning)
• B. Independent only in feeding and grooming
• C. Independent only in dressing and bathing
• D. Independent in all ADLs including heavy cleaning

Answer: (A)

In a person with a thoracic level, complete spinal cord injury (T4 AIS A) the arms and hands usually work well, while trunk and legs are affected. That upper-body function enables a lot of self-care activities without assistance. They can typically feed themselves, groom, dress, and bathe with minimal adaptations. Skin protection and inspection are feasible, which helps prevent pressure injuries. Light homemaking tasks can be done, though heavy cleaning is more demanding and often requires additional support or equipment. Bowel and bladder independence is possible with proper training and routines, such as self-catheterization and a bowel program, so many individuals can manage these autonomic functions themselves. This combination explains why those activities are listed as independently doable, while still recognizing that very heavy cleaning or tasks requiring substantial trunk control may need help. So the best choice reflects independence in feeding, grooming, dressing, bathing, skin care, and light homemaking, with bowel and bladder management also feasible for many, rather than restricting independence to only a few activities or assuming all heavy tasks are doable.

In a person with a thoracic level, complete spinal cord injury (T4 AIS A) the arms and hands usually work well, while trunk and legs are affected. That upper-body function enables a lot of self-care activities without assistance. They can typically feed themselves, groom, dress, and bathe with minimal adaptations. Skin protection and inspection are feasible, which helps prevent pressure injuries. Light homemaking tasks can be done, though heavy cleaning is more demanding and often requires additional support or equipment.

Bowel and bladder independence is possible with proper training and routines, such as self-catheterization and a bowel program, so many individuals can manage these autonomic functions themselves. This combination explains why those activities are listed as independently doable, while still recognizing that very heavy cleaning or tasks requiring substantial trunk control may need help.

So the best choice reflects independence in feeding, grooming, dressing, bathing, skin care, and light homemaking, with bowel and bladder management also feasible for many, rather than restricting independence to only a few activities or assuming all heavy tasks are doable.