Once a week, staff members from all the disciplines caring for the trauma patients get together to discuss their progress. Which term best describes this patient care action?

Choice A reason: This is an incorrect choice because asking the patient about his usual blood pressure results is not a priority action. The patient's blood pressure is elevated, but not dangerously high. The nurse should monitor the blood pressure and report any significant changes to the physician, but this is not an urgent intervention.

Choice B reason: This is an incorrect choice because applying a cool washcloth to the patient's forehead is not a priority action. The patient's temperature is normal, and there is no indication of fever or heat stroke. The nurse should ensure the patient is comfortable and hydrated, but this is not an urgent intervention.

Choice C reason: This is the correct choice because administering oxygen at 2 L/minute via nasal cannula is a priority action. The patient's pulse oximetry is low, indicating hypoxia or inadequate oxygenation of the tissues. The nurse should provide supplemental oxygen to improve the patient's oxygen saturation and prevent further complications.

Choice D reason: This is an incorrect choice because documenting the findings in the patient's medical record is not a priority action. The nurse should document the patient's vital signs and any interventions performed, but this is not an urgent intervention. The nurse should prioritize the patient's safety and well-being over documentation.

Choice A reason: This is an incorrect choice because gently trimming the patient’s toenails after soaking the feet in warm soapy water is not the best intervention of the nurse for a diabetic patient who has rough skin on the feet and thick, overgrown toenails. Trimming the toenails can be risky for the diabetic patient, as it can cause bleeding, infection, or injury to the nail bed or surrounding skin. The nurse should avoid cutting the toenails of the diabetic patient, unless instructed by a podiatrist.

Choice B reason: This is an incorrect choice because using a pumice stone to smooth roughened areas of skin on the patient’s feet is not the best intervention of the nurse for a diabetic patient who has rough skin on the feet and thick, overgrown toenails. A pumice stone is a porous rock that can be used to exfoliate the skin and remove dead cells. However, it can also damage the skin and cause abrasions, irritation, or infection. The nurse should be careful when using a pumice stone on the diabetic patient, and avoid rubbing too hard or too often.

Choice C reason: This is an incorrect choice because liberally applying lotion to the patient's feet especially between the toes is not the best intervention of the nurse for a diabetic patient who has rough skin on the feet and thick, overgrown toenails. Applying lotion to the feet can help to moisturize and soften the skin, but it can also create a moist environment that can promote fungal growth and infection. The nurse should apply lotion sparingly to the feet of the diabetic patient, and avoid applying it between the toes.

Choice D reason: This is the correct choice because obtaining a consultation for a podiatrist to assess the feet and provide nail care is the best intervention of the nurse for a diabetic patient who has rough skin on the feet and thick, overgrown toenails. A podiatrist is a specialist who can diagnose and treat foot problems, such as nail disorders, skin conditions, or infections. The podiatrist can safely and effectively trim the toenails of the diabetic patient, and provide education and advice on foot care and prevention of complications. The nurse should refer the diabetic patient to a podiatrist at least once a year, or more often if needed.