Lorraine Poulos

41 1 2 3 4 Know your client’s risks: • Check care plan for conditions that impact on foot care (e.g. diabetes, ischaemic heart disease) • Identify skin moisturisers of choice • Check footwear is suitable and safe (not worn down, too tight or loose) Before the task: • Ensure you are providing care within your practice scope (e.g. cutting toe nails for a diabetic usually attended by a podiatrist or diabetic Clinical Nurse) • Ensure client is in comfortable seated position preferably with footstool or similar • Be mindful of manual handling practices when supporting legs and attending to care needs • Prepare equipment (creams, towel), position towel under feet During the task: • Apply PPE • Check feet for dryness, cracks, or fissures • Observe for changes to skin (e.g. colour, bruising, nail discolouration) • Check with client reports of pain • Ensure between toes is clean and dry • Apply lotions as per request / orders • If permitted: trim nails with strong nail clippers, cutting just to the end of the toe After the task: • Assist client replace footwear • Reposition footstool Document in Client Journal: • Skin changes (redness, bruised or broken skin) • Reports of pain 5 Personal Care Healthy feet and nails Guide for consumers, carers and workers