A nurse is teaching a client who has diabetes mellitus about foot care. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
Explanation & Rationale
Rationale: A. "Wash your feet twice per day with antibacterial soap and hot water." Washing the feet twice a day with hot water can lead to skin damage and dryness, especially for clients with diabetes. It's important to use lukewarm water and mild soap to avoid irritation. B. "Wear cotton rather than nylon socks." Cotton socks are recommended because they allow the feet to breathe and help absorb moisture, reducing the risk of fungal infections and promoting better circulation, which is important for clients with diabetes. C. "Use a heating pad to keep your feet warm at night." Using a heating pad is not advisable for clients with diabetes, as they may have decreased sensation in their feet. This could result in burns or injury without the client noticing it. D. "Wear loose-fitting slippers around the house." While it is important to wear comfortable footwear, loose-fitting slippers can increase the risk of tripping or injury. The client should wear well-fitted, supportive shoes to protect their feet.