A nurse is teaching a client who has a new diagnosis of diabetes mellitus about foot care.
Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?
Soak feet twice daily.
Wear clean cotton socks every day.
Round the edges of toenails when trimming.
Use moisturizing lotion between the toes.
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The Correct Answer is B
The correct answer is choice B. Wear clean cotton socks every day.
This is because cotton socks can help keep the feet dry and prevent infections. Wearing clean socks every day can also prevent blisters and injuries from friction.
Choice A is wrong because soaking feet twice daily can make the skin too soft and prone to injury. It can also wash away natural oils that protect the skin.
Choice C is wrong because rounding the edges of toenails when trimming can cause ingrown nails, which can lead to infection and pain. Toenails should be trimmed straight across and filed smooth.
Choice D is wrong because using moisturizing lotion between the toes can create a moist environment that promotes fungal growth. Moisturizing lotion should be applied to the rest of the feet, but not between the toes.
Some other foot care guidelines for people with diabetes are:
- Inspect your feet daily and look for signs of injury, such as scrapes, cuts, blisters, etc.
- Wash your feet every day in warm water with mild soap.
Hot water and harsh soaps can damage your skin. Check the water temperature with your fingers or elbow before putting your feet in.
- Don’t walk barefoot.
Protect your feet from heat and cold. Wear appropriate fitting shoes to avoid injury and blisters.
- See a doctor to remove corns or calluses (don’t do it yourself). Don’t use chemical wart removers, razor blades, corn plasters, or liquid corn or callus removers.
- Don’t sit with your legs crossed or stand in one position for long periods of time.
- See your doctor regularly for foot exams and report any problems or changes in your feet.
References:
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. BP 150/92 mm Hg:
- This blood pressure reading is elevated and not a therapeutic effect of magnesium sulfate. In the context of preeclampsia, the goal is usually to lower blood pressure to prevent complications.
B. Pulse rate 100/min:
- The pulse rate of 100/min is not a specific therapeutic effect of magnesium sulfate. However, magnesium sulfate may cause a decrease in heart rate, so monitoring for bradycardia would be important.
C. Flushed face:
- A flushed face is not a specific therapeutic effect of magnesium sulfate. Facial flushing may be associated with other factors, but it is not a primary consideration when monitoring the effectiveness of magnesium sulfate in the context of preeclampsia.
D. Negative clonus:
- Negative clonus is the correct therapeutic effect to monitor. Clonus refers to a series of involuntary, rhythmic, and repetitive muscle contractions and relaxations. In the context of magnesium sulfate administration for preeclampsia, negative clonus (the absence of abnormal reflexes) is a sign that the magnesium levels are within the therapeutic range, helping to prevent seizures.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Wound dehiscence can lead to infection, bleeding, and evisceration (protrusion of internal organs through the incision). The nurse should report this finding to the provider immediately and cover the wound with a sterile dressing moistened with sterile saline solution.
Choice A is wrong because mild swelling under the sutures near the incisional line is a normal finding in the early stages of wound healing. It does not indicate infection or dehiscence unless accompanied by other signs such as redness, warmth, pain, or purulent drainage.
Choice B is wrong because crusting of exudate on the incisional line is also a normal finding that indicates the formation of a scab.
A scab protects the wound from infection and helps it heal faster. The nurse should not remove the scab unless instructed by the provider.
Choice D is wrong because pink-tinged coloration on the incisional line is another normal finding that shows healthy granulation tissue.
Granulation tissue is new tissue that fills in the wound and helps it close. It is usually pink or red and moist.
The nurse should follow these general tips for postoperative abdominal incision care:
- Always wash your hands before and after touching your incisions.
- Inspect your incisions and wounds every day for signs your healthcare provider has told you are red flags or concerning.
- Look for any bleeding.
If the incisions start to bleed, apply direct and constant pressure to the incisions.
- Avoid wearing tight clothing that might rub on your incisions.
- Try not to scratch any itchy wounds.
- You can shower starting 48 hours after your operation but no scrubbing or soaking of the abdominal wounds in a tub.
- After the initial dressing from the operating room is removed, you can leave the wound open to air unless there is drainage or you feel more comfortable with soft gauze covering the wound.
- Surgical glue (Indermil) will fall off over a period of up to 2-3 weeks.
Do not put any topical ointments or lotions on the incisions.
- Do not rub over the incisions with a washcloth or towel.
- No tub baths, hot tubs, or swimming until evaluated at your clinic appointment.
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