A nurse is caring for a client who has COPD. The client tells the nurse, "I get short of breath during meals. It is too much trouble to eat." Which of the following instructions should the nurse suggest?

A. "Have several small meals during the day.": Smaller, more frequent meals reduce the work of breathing required during eating, as large meals can increase diaphragmatic pressure and exacerbate dyspnea in clients with COPD. This strategy helps maintain adequate nutritional intake without causing fatigue or shortness of breath. B. "Limit snacking between meals.": Restricting snacks may lead to insufficient caloric intake, which can worsen weight loss and muscle weakness common in COPD. Frequent small meals, including healthy snacks, are preferred to maintain energy levels and support respiratory muscle function. C. "Eat one food at a time during meals.": While simplifying meals can help some clients, the key intervention for dyspnea management during meals is controlling meal size and frequency. Focusing on single foods does not significantly reduce the work of breathing. D. "Consume a full-liquid diet.": A full-liquid diet is generally unnecessary unless swallowing difficulties exist. Liquids alone may not provide sufficient calories or protein for clients with increased energy expenditure due to COPD and may contribute to malnutrition.