The nurse is caring for a patient with diabetes mellitus. When teaching the patient about foot care, which instruction should the nurse provide?
A) Examine feet once per week for redness, blisters, and abrasions.
B) Apply lotion to dry feet, especially between the toes.
C) Avoid hot-water bottles and heating pads.
D) Dry feet vigorously after each bath.
Ans: C
Chapter: 41
Cognitive Level: Application
Difficulty: Moderate
Integrated Process: Teaching/Learning
Objective: 11
Patient Needs: D-3
Feedback: Hot-water bottles and heating pads should never be used to warm cold feet. Because many patients with diabetes mellitus have neuropathy and can't feel temperature changes, serious injuries or burns may occur. Socks should be worn for warmth. Feet should be examined each day for cuts, blisters, swelling, redness, tenderness, and abrasions. Lotion should be applied to dry feet but never between the toes. After a bath, the patient should gently, not vigorously, pat feet dry to avoid injury.
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