The nurse applies a warmed blanket to a chilled patient. Which term is used to describe the process by which the blanket increases the patient’s temperature?

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.

Choice A reason: This is correct. Unilateral neglect is a condition where the patient fails to attend to or respond to stimuli on the opposite side of the brain lesion. It can affect the patient's perception, attention, memory, and motor function. It can also impair the patient's safety, self-care, and quality of life. The patient may not recognize the existence of the paralyzed limbs, ignore them, or deny their ownership.

Choice B reason: This is incorrect. Ineffective denial is a condition where the patient consciously or unconsciously refuses to acknowledge the reality of a situation that is too threatening or overwhelming. It can interfere with the patient's coping and adaptation. The patient may reject the diagnosis, prognosis, or treatment of the condition. However, this is not the case for the patient with unilateral neglect, who is not aware of the paralysis, rather than refusing to accept it.

Choice C reason: This is incorrect. Deficient knowledge is a condition where the patient lacks or misinterprets information about a topic related to health or illness. It can affect the patient's decision-making, compliance, and outcomes. The patient may have inaccurate or incomplete understanding of the causes, consequences, or management of the condition. However, this is not the main problem for the patient with unilateral neglect, who is not able to process or attend to the information, rather than lacking it.

Choice D reason: This is incorrect. Noncompliance is a condition where the patient does not or is unable to follow the prescribed or agreed-upon plan of care. It can result from various factors, such as lack of motivation, resources, support, or understanding. The patient may not adhere to the recommendations, instructions, or goals of the treatment. However, this is not the primary issue for the patient with unilateral neglect, who is not capable of performing the tasks, rather than unwilling to do so.