A nurse is assisting with the admission of a client who has limited mobility. Which of the following actions is the nurse's priority?

A. Apply lotion between toes: Lotion should not be applied between the toes because the moisture can promote fungal infections. Instead, lotion can be applied to the tops and bottoms of the feet to prevent dryness and cracking.

B. Use a heating pad to warm feet: Clients with diabetes often have decreased sensation in their feet and using heating pads can cause burns without them realizing it. Safer methods, like wearing warm socks, should be used to keep feet warm.

C. Apply cotton socks to feet daily: Wearing clean, dry cotton socks daily helps protect the feet, maintain warmth, and absorb moisture, reducing the risk of fungal infections and skin breakdown, which are common concerns for clients with diabetes.

D. Inspect appearance of feet weekly: Clients with diabetes should inspect their feet daily, not weekly. Daily inspection helps catch cuts, blisters, or signs of infection early to prevent serious complications such as ulcers or amputations.

A. Demonstrate to the client how to use the signaling device: Teaching the client how to use the call light is the priority because it ensures they can easily ask for assistance, especially with limited mobility. Immediate access to help reduces the risk of falls, injury, and delays in meeting urgent needs.

B. Explain the facility's meal schedule: While it is important for the client to know when meals are served, this information does not impact their immediate safety or ability to get assistance when needed, making it a lower priority than teaching about the call light.

C. Demonstrate to the client how to use the television: Teaching about the television promotes comfort but is nonessential for safety or urgent needs. Comfort measures can be addressed after critical safety interventions have been completed.

D. Explain the medication administration schedule: Understanding medication schedules is important for client education and adherence, but ensuring the ability to call for help is more immediately critical, especially in a client with limited mobility.