diabetic foot care
General
SN instructed the patient on good diabetic foot care and assessment as follows: using a handheld mirror if needed assess feet daily to include in between toes. Never cut toenails or file down calluses. Only a podiatrist should do this. Report any blisters, cracks, wounds or any other concerns to your podiatrist immediately. Wash and lotion feet very well daily. Do not lotion between toes as this may cause maceration and cause skin breakdown. Recommended wearing diabetic socks. Always wear good fitting shoes. Preferably tailor-made for the patient. Never walk around barefoot.
SN stressed importance of daily footcare such as wearing shoes or slippers at all time to prevent foot injury.
Instructed caregiver reducing additional risk factors, such as , high cholesterol, and elevated blood glucose, are important in prevention and treatment of a diabeticfoot ulcer. Wearing the appropriate shoes and socks will go a long way in reducing risks. the patient podiatrist can provide guidance in selecting the proper shoes.
SN suggested patient to have nails, calluses and corns trimmed by podiatrist because those with diabetes have poor circulation. A good blood circulation is known to aid your body in all healing processes, so when it becomes sluggish, it takes longer for any injuries to on feet to heal.
SN instructed patient and caregiver to monitor circulation r/t Unna boots. Report if dressing is tight and constricting esp. in back of leg. Check color of feet and report if bluish or purple in color. Report any c/o numbness or tingling. Dressing should be removed immediately if any s/s occur. and notify physician or nurse.
Partient is unable for diabeticcare due to multiples functional limitation such as poor vision, poor eyes/ hand coordination. No caregiver available at this time.
SN Instructed patient on diabetic dinner and snack example: Dinner- 3 ounces meat or protein, such as baked cod or salmon / 2 starches, such as 2/3 cup cooked brown rice, / 2 vegetables, such as 1 cup steamed asparagus and 1/2 cup cooked carrots / 1 fat, such as 1 tsp margarine or 1 tsp olive oil / 1 fruit, such as 3/4 cup fresh pineapple / 1 milk, such as 1 cup skim milk. Evening Snack - 1 bread, such as 3 cups air-popped popcorn / 1 meat or protein, such as 1/4 cup lowfat cottage cheese or 1 ounce turkey breast.
SN instructed patient about treatment of heart failure may include: controlling risk factors: quitting smoking losing weight and increasing moderate exercise restricting salt and fat from the diet avoiding alcohol proper rest controlling blood sugar if diabetic controlling blood pressure limiting fluids.
SN instructed patient about cast care: keep the cast clean and avoid getting dirt or sand inside the cast. Do not apply powder or lotion on or near the cast. Cover the cast when eating, do not place anything inside the cast, even for itchy areas. Sticking items inside the cast can injure the skin and lead to infection. Using a hair dryer on the cool setting may help soothe itching, do not pull the padding out from inside your cast.
SN instructed about Care of teeth. Brush twice daily. After getting up from bed and before going to the bed. Rinse mouth after taking food. Once in year dental check up. Clean the tongue with tongue cleaner after brushing. Neem stick, salt or charcoal can be used for brushing.