Question

An elderly patient comes to the clinic with her daughter. The patient is a diabetic and is concerned about foot care. The nurse goes over foot care with the patient and her daughter as the nurse realizes that foot care is extremely important. Why would the nurse feel that foot care is so important to this patient?

A) An elderly patient with foot ulcers experiences severe foot pain due to the diabetic polyneuropathy.
B) Avoiding foot ulcers may mean the difference between institutionalization and continued independent living.
C) Hypoglycemia is linked with a risk for falls; this risk is elevated in older adults with diabetes.
D) Oral antihyperglycemics have the possible adverse effect of decreased circulation to the lower extremities.

Answer 1

Foot care is important for diabetic patients because uncontrolled diabetes can lead to complications such as neuropathy and foot ulcers. These complications can be prevented through proper foot care and monitoring for injuries or infections.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse would feel that foot care is important to this patient because uncontrolled diabetes can lead to a variety of complications that specifically affect the feet. Over time, high blood glucose levels can damage blood vessels and nerves, leading to a loss of sensation in the hands and feet known as neuropathy. This loss of sensation can make it difficult for patients to notice injuries or infections on their feet, which can then lead to ulcers and serious infections. Additionally, decreased circulation to the lower extremities due to diabetes can contribute to the development of foot ulcers.