Editing Fundamentals of Nursing (section)

=== Foot and nail care ===

For a patient with diabetes or peripheral vascular disease: inspect the feet daily including between the toes and the soles, wash with lukewarm water and mild soap, dry thoroughly between the toes, do not soak the feet, do not use heating pads or hot water bottles, cut toenails straight across only if permitted by policy, and refer thickened nails, calluses, and corns to a podiatrist. Never allow the patient to walk barefoot. In many facilities nail trimming for patients with diabetes requires a provider order or podiatry referral.