The staff nurse is admitting a diabetic who is newly diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy. Which should the nurse include when teaching home management?
1. "Set water heater at 120°F."
2. "Wear open-toed shoes to allow circulation."
3. "Use a mirror to inspect feet daily."
4. "Increase medication for pain as necessary."
3. "Use a mirror to inspect feet daily."
Explanation: 1. Water temperature at 120°F is too hot and the patient may become scalded because of the lack of sensation.
2. Open-toed shoes do not offer foot protection and should be avoided in this patient.
3. Older patients with diabetes mellitus should place a mirror on the wall close to the floor, remove their shoes, and examine the bottoms of their feet daily for blisters, redness, or ulcerations.
4. Increasing medication for pain as necessary can further decrease touch sensation by clouding the sensorium and inducing lethargy, which requires additional supervision and monitoring to ensure safety.
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