A nurse is caring for a patient with diabetes who is experiencing symptoms of diabetic neuropathy. The nurse should educate the patient to prioritize which of the following?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Inspecting feet daily for signs of injury. This is crucial for patients with diabetic neuropathy to prevent complications like foot ulcers. Daily foot inspections can catch any signs of injury early, allowing for prompt treatment. It helps in preventing infections and serious complications.
Summary of why other choices are incorrect:
B: Exercising to improve circulation - While exercise is beneficial for overall health, it may not directly address the risk of injury due to neuropathy.
C: Eating more protein-rich foods - While a balanced diet is important for managing diabetes, protein-rich foods do not specifically address the risk of foot injuries in diabetic neuropathy.
D: Using tight-fitting shoes to prevent blisters - Tight-fitting shoes can actually increase the risk of blisters and injuries, especially in patients with diabetic neuropathy.