A nurse on a telemetry unit is assessing a client who is receiving continuous cardiac monitoring. The client's heart rate is 69/min and the PR interval is 0.24 seconds. The nurse should interpret this finding as which of the following cardiac rhythms?

The correct answer is choice B. Wear clean cotton socks every day.

This is because cotton socks can help keep the feet dry and prevent infections. Wearing clean socks every day can also prevent blisters and injuries from friction.

Choice A is wrong because soaking feet twice daily can make the skin too soft and prone to injury. It can also wash away natural oils that protect the skin.

Choice C is wrong because rounding the edges of toenails when trimming can cause ingrown nails, which can lead to infection and pain. Toenails should be trimmed straight across and filed smooth.

Choice D is wrong because using moisturizing lotion between the toes can create a moist environment that promotes fungal growth. Moisturizing lotion should be applied to the rest of the feet, but not between the toes.

Some other foot care guidelines for people with diabetes are:

• Inspect your feet daily and look for signs of injury, such as scrapes, cuts, blisters, etc.
• Wash your feet every day in warm water with mild soap.

Hot water and harsh soaps can damage your skin. Check the water temperature with your fingers or elbow before putting your feet in.

• Don’t walk barefoot.

Protect your feet from heat and cold. Wear appropriate fitting shoes to avoid injury and blisters.

• See a doctor to remove corns or calluses (don’t do it yourself). Don’t use chemical wart removers, razor blades, corn plasters, or liquid corn or callus removers.
• Don’t sit with your legs crossed or stand in one position for long periods of time.
• See your doctor regularly for foot exams and report any problems or changes in your feet.

References:

Cyanosis is a bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes due to inadequate oxygenation of the blood. It is more difficult to detect in people who have dark skin, so the nurse should look for cyanosis in areas where the skin is thinner and the blood supply is richer, such as the palms of the hands, the lips, the gums, and around the eyes.

These areas are less affected by melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color.

Choice A is wrong because an area of trauma may have bruising or inflammation that can mask cyanosis.

Choice B is wrong because the sacrum is not a good site to assess for cyanosis in any skin tone, as it is prone to pressure ulcers and poor circulation.

Choice C is wrong because the shoulders are not a mucous membrane and may have more melanin than other areas of the body.