Final answer:
LPNs may assist with foot care, including for high-risk patients, under the supervision of an RN or physician, aligning with state regulations. To avoid infections, professional manicure or pedicure should be conducted with proper sanitization practices and sterilized tools.
Step-by-step explanation:
Whether a licensed practical nurse (LPN) can perform foot care on high-risk patients depends largely on state regulations and the healthcare facility's policy. LPNs are trained to perform a variety of nursing duties, which can include basic foot care. However, the scope of practice for LPNs varies by state. In general, high-risk patients—such as those with diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, or vascular disease—might require specialized foot care to prevent infections and other complications. Therefore, an LPN may assist with foot care but would need to do so under the supervision of a registered nurse (RN) or a physician, particularly if the patient is considered high-risk.
Regarding manicures and pedicures, it is relatively uncommon to have an adverse health consequence from a professional service, but it is not impossible. Infections can occur if the tools used are not properly sterilized. To ensure a professional manicure or pedicure is safe, you can take steps such as confirming the salon's sanitation procedures, ensuring that the technicians are properly licensed, and looking for single-use tools or those that have been autoclaved.