FCC FCC Patient Education & Self-Care 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the recommended water temperature for diabetic patients soaking their feet?
- Hot (above 105°F / 40°C)
- Very cold (below 60°F / 15°C)
- Lukewarm (90–95°F / 32–35°C) (Correct answer)
- Room temperature (70–75°F / 21–24°C)
Correct answer: Lukewarm (90–95°F / 32–35°C)
Lukewarm water at 90–95°F is safe for diabetic patients who may have neuropathy and cannot reliably detect burns from hot water.
Question 2: How often should diabetic patients inspect their feet?
- Once a week
- Every other day
- Daily (Correct answer)
- Monthly
Correct answer: Daily
Daily foot inspection enables diabetic patients to detect early signs of injury, infection, or ulceration before serious complications develop.
Question 3: What is the correct technique for trimming toenails in elderly or at-risk patients?
- Cut deeply into corners to prevent ingrown nails
- Cut straight across with gentle rounding at corners (Correct answer)
- Tear nails to thin them
- Cut very short to minimize infection risk
Correct answer: Cut straight across with gentle rounding at corners
Cutting toenails straight across with gentle corner rounding reduces the risk of ingrown nails while maintaining the nail's protective function.
Question 4: Which type of socks should be recommended to a patient with diabetes?
- Tight elastic socks for compression
- Nylon socks for maximum breathability
- Seamless, moisture-wicking diabetic socks (Correct answer)
- Thick wool socks year-round
Correct answer: Seamless, moisture-wicking diabetic socks
Seamless, moisture-wicking diabetic socks eliminate internal seams that can create pressure injuries and reduce moisture buildup that promotes infection.
Question 5: Which footwear feature is most important for patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy?
- Elevated heel for postural stability
- Extra depth and cushioning to prevent pressure points (Correct answer)
- Tight fit to minimize foot movement
- Thin flexible sole for proprioceptive feedback
Correct answer: Extra depth and cushioning to prevent pressure points
Extra-depth diabetic footwear accommodates foot deformities and distributes plantar pressure to protect insensate feet from ulceration.
Question 6: What should patients with calluses be advised to use for safe home management?
- Sharp blade or razor to shave them
- Pumice stone after softening with warm water (Correct answer)
- Strong acid-based corn remover
- Scissors to trim thick skin
Correct answer: Pumice stone after softening with warm water
Gentle use of a pumice stone after soaking safely reduces callus bulk without the cutting risks associated with sharp instruments.
FCC FCC Patient Education & Self-Care 1
What is the recommended water temperature for diabetic patients soaking their feet?