A nurse is planning care for a client who has hemiparesis. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include to increase independence in eating?

A client with hemiparesis has weakness or paralysis on one side of the body, making it difficult to stabilize food on a plate while eating with one hand. Placing food on a plate with a rim — or using a plate guard — allows the client to push food against the rim to scoop it onto utensils. This adaptive device promotes independence by compensating for the inability to stabilize the plate or use both hands simultaneously. It requires no assistance from staff and directly addresses the mechanical limitation of one-sided weakness. Small-handled utensils (option A) are actually contraindicated; clients with hemiparesis and reduced grip strength benefit from large-handled, built-up utensils that are easier to grasp with a weakened hand. A cup without handles (option B) reduces independence because handles allow the client to grip the cup more easily with one hand; a cup with one or two handles or a weighted cup would be more appropriate. A serving spoon (option C) is too large for routine eating and would not increase independence; standard adaptive utensils such as rocker knives or angled spoons are preferred. The rimmed plate directly and practically supports independent eating for hemiparetic clients.