Which of the following should a nurse instruct a diabetic client to do to promote optimal foot care?

Instructing a diabetic client to inspect their feet daily is critical for promoting optimal foot care. People with diabetes often experience reduced blood flow and nerve damage, leading to a decreased ability to feel cuts, blisters, or sores on their feet. Daily inspections can help catch any problems early—before they become serious issues like infections or ulcers—that can lead to complications, including amputations.

Daily foot inspections allow individuals to monitor for signs of injury, redness, swelling, or changes in skin condition, ensuring prompt intervention when necessary. This proactive measure is essential for maintaining foot health in a population that may be particularly vulnerable to foot-related complications.

Other options may not provide the same benefits or could potentially harm the foot care routine of a diabetic individual. For instance, wearing tight shoes can contribute to pressure sores or deformities, soaking feet in hot water could lead to burns or dry skin, and aggressive toenail clipping might lead to injuries or infections. Therefore, daily inspection stands out as the most beneficial practice for protecting foot integrity and promoting optimal healing in diabetic clients.