Florida Home Health Aide Competency Practice Test

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Master the Florida Home Health Aide Competency Test. Engage with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each equipped with hints and explanations. Prepare for your certification exam!

Practice this question and more.

In giving foot care to a patient who has diabetes, which action should the home health aide avoid?

Clean under the toenails.
Cut the toenails.
Soak the patient's feet for more than 5 minutes in warm water.
Put lotion on the patient's feet after drying them.

The correct answer is: Soak the patient's feet for more than 5 minutes in warm water.

In providing foot care for a patient with diabetes, it is essential to maintain proper hygiene and prevent any complications, such as infections or skin breakdown. Soaking the patient's feet for more than 5 minutes can lead to excessive moisture, which may soften the skin and increase the risk of blistering or skin damage. People with diabetes often have decreased sensation in their feet due to neuropathy, making them less aware of potential injuries or irritation. Extended soaking can also disrupt the natural barrier of the skin, making it more vulnerable to infections. Therefore, limiting the soaking duration is critical in foot care for diabetic patients to promote skin integrity and overall foot health.