The nurse is teaching a group of patients regarding prevention of foot ulcer. Which of the following she should be emphasized in teaching?

Appeared in: NCL (MP) Nursing Officer - 2020

Explanation

Daily washing and inspection is the single most important preventive measure for foot ulcers, especially in patients with diabetes or peripheral vascular disease.
This practice allows for the early detection of minor trauma, blisters, or redness that could develop into a serious ulcer if left unnoticed.
Keeping the feet clean with mild soap and lukewarm water, and drying them thoroughly (especially between thetoes), prevents fungal infections that can create breaks in the skin.

Option B: Toenails should be trimmed straight across. Rounding the edges increases the risk of the nail growing into the skin, causing an ingrown toenail, which can lead to infection.
Option C: Harsh antiseptics like iodine or hydrogen peroxide are cytotoxic, meaning they can damage healthy skin cells and impair the natural wound healing process.
Option D: Patients at risk for foot ulcers often have peripheral neuropathy, which causes a loss of sensation. They cannot accurately feel temperature, creating a high risk of severe burns from direct heat sources like hot water bottles.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Patient education for foot ulcer prevention helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
Nurses play a critical role in patient education for foot care. This teaching can prevent limb-threatening complications, reduce hospitalizations, and prevent amputations.
Empowering patients with simple, daily self-care habits is a cornerstone of chronic disease management and promotes patient autonomy.
What if the patient has poor eyesight and cannot inspect their own feet? The nurse should teach the patient to use a non-breakable, long-handled mirror to see the bottom of their feet or, preferably, to have a family member or caregiver check their feet daily.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core topic of the question, which is patient teaching for the prevention of foot ulcers. This is a common topic related to diabetic care and patient safety.
Analyze the lead-in phrase 'which of the following she should be emphasized'. This asks for the most important or foundational teaching point.
Evaluate each option based on established, evidence-based guidelines for foot care.
Option A (daily wash and inspect) is a proactive, comprehensive surveillance strategy. Consider its importance in early detection.
Options B, C, and D describe specific actions. Evaluate if these actions are correct or incorrect according to safety standards.
Recall or deduce that rounding nails, using harsh antiseptics, and applying direct heat are all contraindicated and dangerous for high-risk feet.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Nursing Fundamentals Taylor p. 549-551

E6 Medicine Harrison 22e Part 2 p. 1133-1135

E6 Nursing Fundamentals Potter Perry 12e Part 4 p. 178-180

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Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.