Wound care assessment
Patient was instructed on depression as a diabetes complication. Depression can color everything in a person's life. The ability to do everyday activities can become overwhelming, and this includes taking care of diabetes, such as taking medications, eating right and exercising.
Your feet are your source of independence - or at least its foundation. Give your feet a little tenderness, a little loving care, each day. And be sure to have your doctor take a good look at your feet during each of your diabetes checkups, in case you missed anything.
Patient was instructed about to tell the doctor about any changes in sensation in the toes, feet, or legs. Speak up if note pain, tingling, a pins-and-needles feeling, numbness, or any other unusual signs - even if it seems trivial to the patient. Further teaching is needed.
Patient was instructed about the skin damage: the skin may be dry and cracked because of high glucose levels, and cracked skin means it's easier for bacteria to get under the skin and harder for infections to heal. Use a small amount of skin lotion daily, to be sure the feet feel dry - not damp or sticky - afterwards. Try not to get the lotion in between the toes. Keep the toenails trimmed and filed smooth to avoid ingrown toenails. Further teaching is needed.
Patient was instructed on the importance of skin integrity to prevent future complication: Massage reddened skin gently al least 3 or 4 times daily. Keep the skin clean and dry and after use a protective ointment or spray.
Patient was instructed on factors that contributes to poor skin integrity, such as, immobilization, poor circulation, moisture, heat, anemia, shearing forces poor nutritional status, etc.
Patient was instructed on measures to protect the skin, such as, keeping the skin clean and dry, assessing frequently for skin breakdown, avoiding powder due to possible caking and irritation.
Patient was instructed about how to check both feet daily looking over them carefully every day, and be sure check between all of the toes. Blisters and infections can start between the toes, and with diabetic neuropathy, may not feel them until they've become irritated or infected. If physical challenges occur, ask a family member to help. Further teaching is needed.
Patient was instructed about feet wash with warm - not hot
Patient was instructed about how make sure the shoes fit well. Even the slightest rubbing or misfit shoe can cause a blister that turns into a sore that becomes infected and never heals. Buy better-fitting shoes, or try different socks, even at the most minor signs of redness or irritation, since you may not be able to feel when it's getting worse. Before buying or putting on the shoes check your shoes for rough seam, sharp edges or other objects that could hurt your feet. Further teaching is needed.