A pediatric home care nurse schedules a visit to the home of a 4-week-old newborn who had a low thyroxine (T4) and a high thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) at birth, and was diagnosed with congenital hypothyroidism or cretinism. Which instruction is most important for the nurse to provide the parents of this child?

Potential Condition:
Diabetic neuropathy – The client has a history of type 1 diabetes, and her elevated Hemoglobin A1C (8.2%) suggests poor blood glucose control, which increases the risk of diabetic neuropathy.

Actions to Take:
Perform a sensory test on both feet – Diabetic neuropathy can cause loss of sensation in the feet. A sensory test helps assess nerve function and detect early signs of neuropathy.
Instruct the client to change to clean, dry socks – Proper foot care is crucial for preventing infections and complications in clients with diabetes. Keeping feet dry reduces the risk of skin breakdown and infections.

Parameters to Monitor:
Pedal pulses – Poor circulation is a common complication of diabetes and neuropathy. Monitoring pedal pulses helps assess blood flow to the feet.
Blood glucose – Tight glucose control is essential for preventing the progression of diabetic neuropathy. Monitoring blood glucose levels helps guide management and treatment adjustments.

A. Immobility. The client requires a walker for mobility and reports difficulty repositioning in bed. Limited mobility increases the risk of pressure injuries due to prolonged pressure on certain areas, reducing blood flow and oxygen delivery to the skin.
B. Obesity. The client has a history of moderate obesity, which increases skin friction, moisture retention, and difficulty with self-care. Excess weight places additional pressure on bony prominences, elevating the risk of pressure ulcers.
C. Inadequate nutritional intake. The client has a poor appetite and decreased oral intake, which can lead to protein and nutrient deficiencies. Poor nutrition impairs skin integrity and delays wound healing, further increasing the risk of pressure injuries.
D. Incontinence. The client wears an incontinence brief due to occasional urinary and fecal accidents. Constant exposure to moisture from urine and stool can break down the skin barrier, making it more susceptible to infections and pressure injuries.
E. Decreased sensory perception. The client reports neuropathy in both hands and lower legs, reducing sensation. Impaired sensation can prevent the recognition of pressure, pain, or injury, leading to delayed intervention and increased risk of skin breakdown.
F. Coarse lung sounds. While coarse lung sounds may indicate respiratory congestion or infection, they do not directly contribute to skin injury risk. This factor is less relevant compared to others affecting skin integrity.
G. Diabetes mellitus. The client has poorly controlled type 1 diabetes, which impairs circulation and delays wound healing. Chronic hyperglycemia can lead to reduced immune response and increased susceptibility to infections and pressure ulcers.