A nurse is reinforcing teaching about foot care with a client who has type 2 diabetes mellitus. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?

Foot care education for clients with type 2 diabetes mellitus focuses on preventing complications such as infections, ulcers, and amputations. Diabetes can lead to peripheral neuropathy and poor peripheral circulation, which reduces sensation and impairs wound healing in the feet. Because minor injuries can progress quickly, daily foot inspection, proper hygiene, and protective footwear are essential. Teaching emphasizes safe self-care practices and avoidance of trauma or skin damage. Rationale: A. Using iodine to disinfect cuts on the feet is not recommended because it can damage healthy tissue and delay wound healing. Diabetic foot care requires gentle cleansing with mild soap and water, followed by appropriate dressing if needed. Harsh antiseptics may further impair tissue integrity and increase healing time. B. Removing ingrown toenails at home is unsafe for clients with diabetes due to reduced sensation and poor healing capacity. Self-removal increases the risk of infection, bleeding, and tissue injury. Any nail or foot abnormalities should be managed by a healthcare professional or podiatrist. C. Wearing clean cotton socks daily is an appropriate diabetic foot care practice. Cotton socks help absorb moisture, reduce friction, and decrease the risk of skin breakdown and fungal infections. Changing socks daily also promotes hygiene and helps maintain skin integrity in clients with reduced foot sensation. D. Soaking feet in warm water every morning is not recommended because prolonged moisture exposure can soften the skin and increase the risk of breakdown. Additionally, clients with neuropathy may not accurately sense water temperature, increasing the risk of burns. Daily gentle washing followed by thorough drying is safer than routine soaking.