Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 80%
Simulated
The nurse teaching an older client about general hygienic measures for foot and nail care should include which instructions? Select all that apply.
Correct answer
E,F
Rationale
The nurse should offer the following guidelines in a general hygienic foot and nail care program: Inspect the feet daily, including the tops and soles of the feet, the heels, and the areas between the toes; wash the feet daily using lukewarm water, and avoid soaks to the feet, thoroughly patting the feet dry and drying well between toes; and avoid cutting corns or calluses or using commercial removers. Additional general hygienic measures include gently rubbing lanolin, baby oil, or corn oil into the skin if dryness is noted along the feet or between the toes; filing the toe nails straight across and square (do not use scissors or clippers); avoiding the use of over-the-counter preparations to treat ingrown toenails and consulting a primary health care provider for these problems; and avoiding wearing elastic stockings (unless prescribed by a health care professional), knee-high hose, or constricting garters.