Why checking for signs of foot injury is the top priority for patients with diabetes and numb feet.

Which nursing action is a priority for a client with numb feet and a history of diabetes?

• A. Check blood glucose levels
• B. Assess for proper shoe size
• C. Check for signs of injury on the feet
• D. Test sensory perception in the feet

Answer: (C)

The priority nursing action for a client with numb feet and a history of diabetes is to check for signs of injury on the feet. Individuals with diabetes often experience neuropathy, which can lead to decreased sensation in the feet. This loss of sensation increases the risk of unnoticed injuries, such as cuts, blisters, or ulcers, that can lead to infections or more serious complications. Examining the feet for injuries is crucial because timely detection and intervention can prevent further complications, including possible amputation. Clients with diabetes must have their feet regularly inspected for any physical problems, especially when there are symptoms like numbness that can impair sensation. While checking blood glucose levels is important for managing diabetes, it does not directly address the immediate concern of potential foot injuries. Assessing for proper shoe size and testing sensory perception are also valuable actions; however, ensuring there are no existing injuries takes precedence in this scenario. Identifying and managing any current injuries can help safeguard the client's overall foot health and prevent further complications.

Numb feet and diabetes: what should you check first?

If you’ve ever cared for a patient with diabetes, you know the feet tell a story. A story that starts with numbness, tingling, or a loss of sensation and ends—if you’re not careful—with serious infections or even an amputation. For nurses and other frontline clinicians, the question isn’t just “what to do first,” but “what action carries the most impact right now?” The answer in this scenario is clear: check for signs of injury on the feet.

Let’s unpack why this step is the priority and how it shapes the day-to-day care you’ll provide.

Why numb feet raise the stakes

Diabetes can quietly change how your patient feels. Neuropathy—nerve damage that often starts in the feet—blunts pain and muffles discomfort. Think about the last time you stubbed a toe; pain tells you to back off. When numbness takes over, that signal vanishes. The result? Small injuries become hidden, then fester. A blister turns into a painful ulcer. A shoes rub in just the wrong spot becomes a stubborn wound that won’t heal. Infections can spread, and in the worst cases, limbs are at risk.

This isn’t just a “foot care” issue. It’s a window into a patient’s overall health and a predictor of complications that demand timely attention. The feet are often the first place where problems show up because they’re farthest from the heart’s big-picture protection and closest to the ground—literally where daily wear and tear occurs.

The priority action: checking for signs of injury

In this scenario, the top nursing action is to inspect the feet for any signs of injury. Here’s what that looks like in practice, on the hospital ward or in a clinic:

• Visual inspection from toe to ankle: Look for redness, swelling, cuts, blisters, calluses, cracks, or any discoloration. Even small changes can hint at trouble.

• Check between the toes: Problem areas like interdigital fissures or moisture buildup can create a breeding ground for infection. A quick look here is easy and telling.

• Examine for warmth or drainage: Heat over a small area or oozing moisture can signal inflammation or infection that needs prompt care.

• Note deformities or changes in shape: Charcot changes, bunions, or unusual pressure points can worsen injury risk if not addressed.

• Consider symmetry: Compare both feet. Subtle differences can reveal early issues that aren’t obvious at first glance.

• Document and communicate: Record findings in the chart and tell the care team right away if anything looks off.

A practical note on testing vs. inspection

Some clinicians also perform sensory testing, like a monofilament test, to gauge the degree of numbness. Sensory testing is valuable for long-term risk assessment and education, but it’s not the action that halts an immediate cascade of problems. Think of it as a complement to the feet’ everyday check, not a substitute for looking for injuries that could be present right now.

What to do if you find an injury

If an injury is spotted, respond quickly and with a clear plan:

• Clean and protect: Gently clean the wound and cover it with an appropriate dressing. Keep the area dry unless your care plan calls for a specific moist wound-healing approach.

• Avoid pressure and friction: Advise patients to stay off that foot when possible and switch to supportive footwear that cushions the area. Avoid shoes or socks that rub or compress the injured spot.

• Assess for infection: Look for spreading redness, warmth, fever, or increased pain. If infection signs are present, escalate care per your facility’s protocol—this may mean antibiotics or a wound consult.

• Debridement and dressing decisions: For some wounds, careful debridement and a specialized dressing may be needed. This is usually done by a clinician with wound-care expertise.

• When to involve podiatry or wound care: If the wound is deep, not healing, or there are recurrent injuries, a specialist can develop a targeted plan.

• Educate and empower: Teach the patient and family about how to monitor for changes, when to seek care, and how to protect the feet daily.

How this focus shapes ongoing care

The reason this foot-first approach matters is simple: it buys time and preserves function. A tiny injury caught early can be treated easily, preventing infection from taking hold. Delays, on the other hand, invite complications that complicate recovery, prolong hospitalization, or require surgeries that could have been avoided.

Beyond the immediate injury, what you do in the moment echoes into routine care:

• Footwear and fit: Proper footwear is not a luxury; it’s a shield. Encourage shoes with a roomy toe box, soft uppers, and good arch support. Avoid high heels or pointed toes that squeeze the toes and create pressure points.

• Daily self-exams: Teach patients to inspect their feet every day. A quick look after a shower works well—feet are clean, and skin is easier to see. A mirror can help when bending isn’t easy.

• Skin care routine: Keep feet clean and dry. Dry thoroughly, especially between the toes. Use a moisturizer (but not between the toes, where moisture can trap and cause maceration).

• Nail care tips: Trim nails straight across and file edges to smooth any sharp corners. Avoid cutting cuticles or digging into the corners of the nails.

• Sensory awareness: While not the priority for an immediate injury, a routine sensory check (fiber-bristle sensation, monofilament, or tuning fork) provides an ongoing gauge of neuropathy’s progression and helps tailor education and footwear decisions.

A few practical teaching points you can borrow

If you’re explaining things to patients or families, keep it plain and concrete:

• “Feet numb? Even a small blister can be a big problem if you can’t feel it.”

• “Check for signs daily—redness, swelling, or a blister that won’t heal.”

• “Wear well-fitting shoes with soft interiors; no barefoot walking.”

• “Wash and dry carefully; moisturize after drying, but not between the toes.”

• “If you notice fever, spreading redness, or the wound getting larger, seek help now.”

Common pitfalls to avoid

Every clinician runs into traps that slow progress or miss trouble:

• Waiting to see if a small problem becomes big. Early action matters.

• Underestimating footwear’s role. Shoes aren’t cosmetic; they’re part of the healing plan.

• Overlooking patient education. Without real-world guidance, even the best plan sits on paper.

• Failing to document clearly. A precise note helps the next clinician pick up where you left off.

A brief, practical checklist you can use

• Inspect both feet thoroughly at least once per shift.

• Look between the toes and under the feet for moisture, color, and temperature.

• Note any new wounds, ulcers, or signs of infection.

• Ensure the patient’s footwear is safe, comfortable, and properly fitted.

• Reinforce a daily foot care routine with the patient and caregivers.

• Record any injuries and the plan for management, then escalate if needed.

Putting it all together

In diabetes care, numb feet aren’t just a symptom; they’re a warning. The most important nursing action in this context is to check for signs of injury on the feet. This step acts as a critical safeguard against hidden wounds becoming serious infections. It also sets the stage for timely treatment, informed footwear choices, and practical daily care that can preserve mobility and quality of life.

If you’re thinking about how all the pieces fit, consider this: neuropathy changes what patients can feel, but it doesn’t erase the body's signals entirely. As a caregiver, you’re the eyes that catch those signals and the hands that help patients respond in real time. That’s the core of compassionate, effective diabetic foot care.

A final thought: the everyday rhythm of foot care

Caring for feet in diabetes is a steady practice, not a dramatic intervention. It’s a sequence of quick checks, smart choices, and patient education that adds up. When you make it a habit, you’re not just preventing a single injury—you’re building a safer everyday life for people who live with diabetes. And isn’t that the kind of impact we all want to see in our work?