A nurse is teaching a newly licensed nurse about reducing the risk for healthcare-associated infections.
Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

Choice A rationale:

"Apply lotion between the toes.”. Applying lotion between the toes is not a recommended practice for individuals with diabetic neuropathy. The rationale for this is that excess moisture between the toes can create an environment conducive to fungal infections, which individuals with diabetes are more susceptible to due to compromised immune function and poor circulation.

Choice B rationale:

"Wear open-toed shoes.”. Wearing open-toed shoes is generally not recommended for individuals with diabetic neuropathy. Open-toed shoes expose the feet to potential injury and do not provide adequate protection. It's essential to wear closed-toed, well-fitting shoes to prevent foot injuries and complications.

Choice C rationale:

"Avoid walking barefoot.”. The correct answer, "Avoid walking barefoot," is a crucial instruction for individuals with diabetic neuropathy. Walking barefoot increases the risk of injury, as patients with neuropathy may not feel pain or discomfort from small cuts or injuries to their feet. It is essential to protect the feet by wearing shoes or slippers to minimize the risk of wounds and infections.

Choice D rationale:

Choice A rationale:

Dysphagia is a difficulty or discomfort with swallowing and is not a complication of diverticulitis. Diverticulitis typically involves inflammation or infection of diverticula in the colon and may present with symptoms such as abdominal pain, fever, and changes in bowel habits, but dysphagia is not a characteristic feature.

Choice B rationale:

Ulcerative colitis is a distinct inflammatory bowel disease and is not a complication of diverticulitis. These conditions have different causes and affect different parts of the digestive tract. While both conditions can cause abdominal discomfort, they are not directly related.

Choice C rationale:

Peritonitis is a potential complication of diverticulitis. When diverticula become infected and rupture, they can spill their contents into the abdominal cavity, leading to peritonitis, which is an inflammation of the peritoneum (the lining of the abdominal cavity). This condition can be life-threatening and requires prompt medical intervention.

Choice D rationale:

Crohn's disease is a separate inflammatory bowel disease and is not a complication of diverticulitis. Crohn's disease can affect any part of the digestive tract, whereas diverticulitis typically occurs in the colon. They have distinct clinical features and treatment approaches. .