Risk Factors
What specific type of neuropathy affects diabetic patients’ ability to feel foot injuries?
a) Peripheral neuropathy
b) Autonomic neuropathy
c) Proximal neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy
True or False: It’s unnecessary to inspect between the toes during a foot check.
false
What is the primary goal of wound care for a diabetic foot ulcer?
a) To promote infection and inflammation for faster healing
b) To prevent infection and promote tissue healing
c) To eliminate the need for proper foot care
b) To promote healing while preventing infection.
In addition to foot inspections, what are two preventive care practices nursing staff should encourage among diabetic residents?
a) Wearing tight shoes to improve circulation and daily foot massages
b) Limiting fluid intake to prevent swelling and avoiding exercise
c) Regular blood glucose monitoring and wearing properly fitted shoes
c) Regular blood sugar monitoring and wearing protective footwear at all times.
What is one of the most common complications of diabetic foot ulcers if left untreated?
a) Amputation
b) Increased blood pressure
c) Improved circulation
a) Amputation
Infection, which can lead to cellulitis or osteomyelitis.
What are two key nursing interventions for managing a diabetic patient regarding foot care?
a)Encouraging long daily foot soaks and massaging feet
b) Regular foot inspections and ensuring proper footwear to prevent injuries.
c) Applying hot compresses and allowing feet to air dry
b) Regular foot inspections and ensuring proper footwear to prevent injuries.
When inspecting a resident’s feet, where are two common places to check for pressure sores?
a) Heels and the balls of the feet
b) Toes and ankles
c) Arch and top of the foot
a) Heels and the balls of the feet
When preparing to clean a diabetic foot wound, what PPE should a nurse use to ensure safe, sterile technique?
a) Non-sterile gloves and a surgical mask
b) Sterile gloves, gown, and face shield
c) Sterile gloves, surgical mask, and goggles
b) Sterile gloves, gown, and face shield
What type of footwear is recommended for diabetic residents to prevent foot injuries?
a) Open-toe sandals with a firm sole to allow better airflow
b) Closed-toe, well-fitted, supportive shoes with a soft interior
c) Tight-fitting shoes to provide more support and prevent slipping
d) Soft slippers or socks with no shoes to allow maximum foot flexibility
b) Closed-toe, well-fitted, supportive shoes with a soft interior.
When monitoring a diabetic resident’s foot ulcer, what are two signs that the wound may be infected?
a) Scab formation and slight bruising around the wound
b) Increased redness, warmth, swelling, purulent drainage, or foul odor
c) Dryness around the wound with minimal exudate
d) Smooth, pink tissue around the wound edges with no drainage
b) Increased redness, warmth, swelling, purulent drainage, or foul odor.
In nursing care, why is it essential to assess diabetic residents for neuropathy?
a)To monitor the effectiveness of insulin therapy
b)To prevent injuries that the patient may not feel due to loss of sensation
c)To evaluate blood sugar levels more accurately
b)To prevent injuries that the patient may not feel due to loss of sensation
Neuropathy increases the risk of unnoticed foot injuries, which can lead to ulcers and infections if untreated.
What critical nursing actions should be conducted if a diabetic resident has an area of redness on their foot?
a) Assess the area for warmth, swelling, and potential open wounds, and notify the healthcare provider
b) Apply a cold compress and massage the area to improve circulation
c) Ignore the redness, as it is a normal part of aging
a) Assess the area for warmth, swelling, and potential open wounds, and notify the healthcare provider
Document the finding, monitor for changes, and inform the provider if it worsens.
When changing a wound dressing, what signs of complications should a nurse document and report immediately?
a) Increased redness, swelling, foul odor, or purulent drainage
b) Minor irritation around the edges of the dressing
c) Slight skin dryness around the wound edges
a) Increased redness, swelling, purulent discharge, foul odor, or changes in wound size or depth.
How can educating residents and their families about proper foot care contribute to better outcomes?
a) It encourages self-care, reduces risk of complications, and helps residents identify issues early
b) It ensures that all foot-related problems are automatically fixed by the nursing staff
c) It minimizes the need for regular inspections and reduces healthcare costs
d) It helps residents avoid using any medications for their feet, relying solely on natural remedies
a) It encourages self-care, reduces risk of complications, and helps residents identify issues early.
What is the role of a wound care nurse in managing diabetic foot complications in a nursing home?
a) Directing all wound care procedures without involving the primary care team
b) Assessing wounds, developing care plans, coordinating with providers, and educating staff and residents on wound prevention and care
c) Providing personal foot massages to enhance comfort and circulation
d) Recommending only topical treatments without addressing underlying causes or prevention strategies
b) Assessing wounds, developing care plans, coordinating with providers, and educating staff and residents on wound prevention and care.
How would you assess for poor circulation in a diabetic resident’s lower extremities?
a) By checking for pedal pulses, skin color, and temperature changes
b) By monitoring the resident’s blood sugar levels and weight
c) By observing for increased ankle edema and skin dryness
By checking pedal pulses, skin temperature, and capillary refill time.
What should you document when completing a foot inspection?
a) The number of steps the resident has taken during the day
b) The color and brand of socks the resident is wearing
c) Any abnormalities such as redness, swelling, open wounds, or changes in skin texture, as well as the presence of pulses
c) Any abnormalities such as redness, swelling, open wounds, or changes in skin texture, as well as the presence of pulses
Skin integrity, presence of wounds or lesions, any signs of redness, warmth, or tenderness, and any abnormalities found.
Describe the step-by-step process for cleaning and dressing a diabetic foot wound to prevent infection.
a) Cleanse wound with sterile saline, assess for signs of infection, apply a suitable dressing, secure without constricting circulation, and document findings and care provided
b) Wash hands, clean the wound with antiseptic, apply a non-sterile dressing, and leave the wound exposed to air
c) Cleanse the wound with alcohol, apply a gauze dressing, and cover the wound with a bandage without assessing circulation
d) Use non-sterile gloves, clean the wound with water, apply a bulky dressing, and tape it in place tightly
a) Cleanse wound with sterile saline, assess for signs of infection, apply a suitable dressing, secure without constricting circulation, and document findings and care provided.
What nursing interventions can help prevent pressure ulcers on diabetic residents' feet?
a) Encouraging residents to remain in a single position to avoid foot movement and irritation
b) Repositioning frequently, using pressure-relieving devices, and ensuring footwear fits properly
c) Applying lotions to the feet to improve circulation and prevent skin dryness only
d) Regularly massaging the feet to stimulate blood flow and prevent pressure sores
b) Repositioning frequently, using pressure-relieving devices, and ensuring footwear fits properly.
Explain why diabetic residents are at a higher risk for amputation due to foot complications.
a) The use of diabetes medications accelerates healing, reducing the need for amputation
b) Diabetic residents are at higher risk for amputation because they experience increased circulation to the lower extremities
c) Amputation is primarily due to improper blood glucose control, not foot complications
d) Due to poor wound healing, decreased sensation, and higher risk of infection, untreated foot issues can escalate and require amputation
d) Due to poor wound healing, decreased sensation, and higher risk of infection, untreated foot issues can escalate and require amputation.
How does hyperglycemia contribute to wound healing delays in diabetic residents?
a)It enhances blood flow to the wound site
b)It increases the risk of infection by impairing the immune response
c) It accelerates the production of collagen and tissue regeneration
b) It increases the risk of infection by impairing the immune response
Hyperglycemia impairs immune function, reduces circulation, and delays collagen formation, all of which slow wound healing.
Describe an inspection technique for residents who are unable to communicate their symptoms.
a) Carefully inspect the feet for signs of redness, swelling, cuts, blisters, or areas of increased warmth, and observe for changes in gait or behavior
b) Rely on verbal reports from family members and avoid physical inspections
c) Focus only on the appearance of the toenails and the color of the socks
a) Carefully inspect the feet for signs of redness, swelling, cuts, blisters, or areas of increased warmth, and observe for changes in gait or behavior
Perform a thorough visual inspection, palpate gently for tenderness, check between toes, and observe for any swelling, warmth, or signs of infection.
Describe the process for assessing and documenting the wound bed of a diabetic foot ulcer, including specific elements that should be noted to guide ongoing treatment.
a) Measure the wound depth and apply a pressure bandage, ignoring the presence of any infection or tissue type
b) Document only the size of the wound and the type of dressing applied, without noting any tissue or infection signs
c) Assess the wound bed by documenting the type of tissue present (e.g., granulation, slough, necrosis), wound dimensions (length, width, depth), presence of undermining or tunneling, color, moisture level, and any signs of infection (such as exudate characteristics)
d) Focus solely on the color of the wound and avoid documenting the moisture level or infection signs
c) Assess the wound bed by documenting the type of tissue present (e.g., granulation, slough, necrosis), wound dimensions (length, width, depth), presence of undermining or tunneling, color, moisture level, and any signs of infection (such as exudate characteristics).
A client with diabetes has limited mobility and poor eyesight, making it difficult for him to conduct daily foot inspections. Describe a comprehensive preventive care strategy that the nursing team can implement to ensure their feet are monitored regularly.
a) Ensure the client wears regular shoes and socks, have weekly foot inspections by nursing staff, and provide diabetic education without further foot care interventions.
b) Conduct weekly foot inspections by nursing staff, and rely on the client’s family to apply moisturizing cream and report any changes.
c) Focus on teaching the client to independently inspect their feet using magnifying tools and relying on family for assistance only when necessary.
d) Schedule daily foot inspections by nursing staff, educate caregivers and family members to recognize and report warning signs, use padded footwear to reduce pressure, apply moisturizer to prevent dryness, and refer to a podiatrist for regular evaluations.
d) Schedule routine foot inspections by nursing staff daily, educate caregivers/family members about warning signs to report, use padded footwear to reduce pressure and prevent injuries, and apply moisturizer to prevent dryness. Document findings and provide referrals to a podiatrist for regular professional assessments.
What collaborative interventions with other healthcare team members can prevent diabetic foot complications from worsening?
a) Working with providers, podiatrists, and physical therapists to ensure regular assessments, proper footwear, wound care, and preventive education
b) Referring the patient to a nutritionist for dietary changes but not coordinating with other healthcare providers
c) Providing wound care independently without consulting the podiatrist or other specialists
d) Focusing only on blood glucose management and not addressing foot care or preventive education
a) Working with providers, podiatrists, and physical therapists to ensure regular assessments, proper footwear, wound care, and preventive education.