Colorado CNA Practice Exam

Which of the following is a guideline for safe diabetic foot care?

1. Apply lotion to the feet and toes

2. Inspect and clean the resident's feet every day

3. Encourage the resident to go barefoot

4. Soak the resident's feet in hot water daily

The correct answer is: Apply lotion to the feet and toes

The guideline for safe diabetic foot care focuses on preventing injury and maintaining skin integrity, which is best achieved through regular inspection and cleaning. Inspecting and cleaning the resident's feet every day helps identify potential problems early, such as blisters, cuts, or infections, which are crucial since individuals with diabetes often experience reduced sensitivity in their feet. Applying lotion to the feet and toes can be beneficial for maintaining skin hydration, but it's important to do so with caution to avoid excessive moisture between toes, which could promote fungal infections. Encouraging the resident to go barefoot poses a risk of injury, as individuals with diabetes may not feel cuts or blisters. Similarly, soaking the resident's feet in hot water daily can lead to burns or skin irritation, as well as dryness from prolonged exposure to water. Thus, inspecting and cleaning the resident's feet daily is the most comprehensive and effective guideline for ensuring diabetic foot health.