42. A nurse in a senior adult day care program observes that the participants have long toenails, corns, calluses, and other problems indicating a need for foot care. What is a nurse's correct action?
42. A nurse in a senior adult day care program observes that the participants have long toenails, corns, calluses, and other problems indicating a need for foot care. What is a nurse's correct action?
. Schedule podiatry services at the site after a class on foot care.
. Establish a regular foot care plan whereby the participants' toenails would be cut and corns and calluses removed.
. Instruct family members in the proper methods of cutting toenails and using commercial foot care products.
. Recommend that the participants soak their feet for 10 minutes before cutting their toenails, using safe toenail clippers.
Test-Taking Tip
Only one option includes the importance of being seen by an expert in foot care.
Content Area: Geriatrics, Integumentary; Integrated Process: Nursing Process, Implementation; Cognitive Level: Application; Client Need/Subneed: Physiological Integrity/Basic Care and Comfort/Personal Hygiene
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Answer 1 is correct because ideally foot care should be provided by podiatric care providers. The service is covered by insurance. Answer 2 is incorrect because the calluses should only be removed by a podiatric specialist. This option does not indicate who is doing the foot care. Answer 3 is incorrect because this choice does not include the importance of being seen by a podiatric specialist. Answer 4 is incorrect because the older adult should not cut his or her own toenails. Care should be provided by an expert.