Basic Nursing SkillsQuestion 89 of 200

Diabetic foot care for a resident with peripheral neuropathy includes:

a.Soak the feet for 30 minutes daily in hot water, dry only the tops, and apply moisturizer between the toes
b.Encourage barefoot walking on the unit to improve circulation, and inspect the feet once a week
c.Cut the toenails in a deep curve at the corners and file the edges smooth after bathing
d.Inspect feet daily (use mirror if needed), wash with lukewarm water and dry thoroughly between toes, apply moisturizer (not between toes), wear well-fitted shoes; nail care by nurse or podiatrist (CNAs do NOT cut diabetic toenails)

Explanation

Diabetic neuropathy hides injury; ulcers and amputation risk are high. Daily inspection (mirror or assist), lukewarm water (hot water burns), thorough drying between toes (prevents fungal infection), moisturize tops/soles but NOT between toes, properly fitted shoes and socks, no barefoot walking. CNAs in California do NOT cut diabetic or anticoagulated toenails—this is delegated to nurse/podiatrist. Hot soaks (a), curved cutting (c), and barefoot walking (b) cause injury.

Law Reference: Fundamentals; diabetic foot care

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