Unit 7 - Interventions Flashcards
General Guidelines for Cutting Normal Toenails
People who do not have normal toenails include those with?
poor circulation
peripheral neuropathy with loss of protective sensation
lack of self-care knowledge
history of foot ulcers
immunosupression from chronic disease or medication.
People with complications can still be treated, but?
may need additional care and vigilance
How should nails should be cut?
Following the natural curve of the nail.
Nails should be cut following the natural curve of the nail.
Avoid…?
sharp 90 degree corners
When trimming along the natural curve, the foot care nurse must not?
cut along the lateral or medial nail edges.
When trimming along the natural curve, the foot care nurse must not cut along the lateral or medial nail edges.
This could lead to?
tissue trauma
When trimming along the natural curve, the foot care nurse must not cut along the lateral or medial nail edges.
This could lead to?
tissue trauma
Cutting the nails straight across is acceptable but?
care must be taken to avoid leaving sharp corners.
Cutting the nails straight across is acceptable but care must be taken to avoid leaving sharp corners.
Why?
Sharp nail edges can rub against other toes and cause trauma to the skin.
Nails should be cut just short enough to?
prevent the distal aspect of the nail from protruding past the distal aspect of the toe
Clients who trim their own nails often present with?
spicules at the nail edges
Clients who trim their own nails often present with spicules at the nail edges.
The foot care nurse should do what?
trim these spicules provided they are accessible and the procedure does not cause excessive pain to the client
Note: prior to implementing nail care, what must be done?
a thorough assessment
Steps for cutting NORMAL toenails
(19) - Eeep.
- Provide privacy
- Explain procedure (ensure written consent)
- Wash hands
- Assemble equipment on clean, convenient surface that is within easy reach
- Assist client into a comfortable sitting position
- Sit opposite or to the side of the client
- Don personal protective equipment
- Swab the toes & toenails with cleansing agent (ie: alcohol)
- Using a curette or a Black’s file, define the nail edge by gently running the instrument along the hyponychium of the nail
- Begin cutting the toenails by using the ingrow scissor, mustache scissor or nail nipper as appropriate for the client’s nails
- File rough nail edges with the Black’s file or Diamond Deb file
- Remove remaining detritus with the curette or Black’s file
- Check between all the toes for debris, remove carefully
- Cleanse toes & toenails
- Apply lotion if appropriate for client
- Assist client into a comfortable position
- Remove & store used equipment
- Wash hands
- Document
- Assemble necessary equipment on clean, convenient surface that is within easy reach
(1)
cover surface with a clean towel or drape
- Assist client into a comfortable sitting position
2
a. a reclining chair with an elevated foot rest is ideal for client with limited hip mobility
b. remember to reassess client comfort throughout the procedure
- Sit opposite or to the side of the client
2
a. a chair slightly lower than the client’s will allow for more comfortable positioning
b. if available, a chair with wheels will allow the nurse to easily move around the client’s feet during the procedure
- Don personal protective equipment
3
a. disposable gloves
b. safety glasses or goggles
c. mask
- Using a curette or a Black’s file, define the nail edge by gently running the instrument along the hyponychium of the nail
(2)
a. defining the nail edge allows the nurse to “get a feel” for how much space is between the nail plate and the nail bed
b. defining the nail edge allows the nurse to remove detritus from under the nail
- Begin cutting the toenails by using the ingrow scissor, mustache scissor or nail nipper as appropriate for the client’s nails
(3)
a. cut at one corner of the nail and “nibble” across
b. follow natural curve of nail
c. cut just short enough so the nail does not extend past the tip of the toe
- File rough nail edges with the Black’s file or Diamond Deb file
(2)
a. the Black’s file small surface makes it an ideal instrument to file away spicules
b. file in one direction only (dorsal→plantar or medial→lateral)
- Apply lotion if appropriate for client
1
a. never apply lotion between toes or leave lotion on toenails
- Assist client into a comfortable position
1
a. client may require assistance to put foot wear back on
- Document
3
a. nail care performed
b. observations
c. client response
If the integrity of the skin is accidentally breached during foot care, DO WHAT?
DO NOT do WHAT?
Finally?
wipe area clean with skin antiseptic
cover with loosely applied sterile gauze or a Band-Aid®.
Do not apply constrictive adhesive dressings to toes.
A protocol should be developed for the daily monitoring and documenting of the wound healing process.
After demonstrated safe use, the nurse may use the Dremel to:
(2)
effectively reduce thick, callused skin on the feet, in addition to or in place of a foot file
effectively reduce, smooth and trim thick, overgrown nails
The nurse must ensure safe and prudent DREMEL practice, including the following guidelines:
(4)
read and follow safety rules noted in the owner’s manual
wear PPE (goggles, face mask etc.)
follow established infection control guidelines following use
use only podiatric burrs for foot care
WHAT IS MOTHER FUCKING very important WHEN USING THE DREMEL???
WHY?????
Using the appropriate amount of downward pressure
There is a fine line between too much and not enough. If you use too little pressure, the nail will not be affected, but if you use too much pressure, the nail can be damaged.
What are the 3 accessories to use with the Dremel?
3/32” collet (2.4 mm) specific for podiatry burr
Collet nut
Podiatry burr
What do you need to explain to the client re. Dremel use in foot care?
the dermal will vibrate but not cause pain
How do you hold a Dremel?
balance the Dremel in your hand using the pencil/pen grip
When balancing the Dremel in your hand using the pencil/pen grip, what must you take care to do?
Why?
keep fingers off the shaft lock pin during operation
this may loosen and dislodge the burr
Speed you should use?
Why?
low speed (5,000 RPM)
for safety and control
Describe what each hand should be doing while using the Dremel.
Firmly anchor the Dremel in one hand while anchored to the client’s toe or foot.
The other hand should be used to stabilize the clients toe/foot, to keep the drill from ‘slipping’ onto surrounding fragile skin.
Describe technique for using Dremel on nails.
start at the proximal edge of the nail plate and move to the distal edge
Describe technique for using Dremel on calluses (hyperkeratoses).
(3)
start near the centre and move out towards the edges of the callus
allow the podiatry burr to contact the surface of the callus using minimal pressure and constant movement
avoiding contact with thinner, non-callused skin
Describe Dremel contact with the nail plate.
gently touch the nail plate with the burr for 2 to 3 seconds at a time (no more than 5 seconds at a time)
Gently touch the nail plate with the burr for 2 to 3 seconds at a time (no more than 5 seconds at a time).
Repeat this series of short touches with the burr, frequently…?
checking the working area with finger of free hand
Gently touch the nail plate with the burr for 2 to 3 seconds at a time (no more than 5 seconds at a time).
Repeat this series of short touches with the burr, frequently checking the working area with finger of free hand to feel that…?
(3)
the burr is not penetrating too deeply
causing any build up of “heat’
accidentally touching surrounding fragile tissue
When reducing onychogryphotic nails with the Dremel…?
allow the podiatry burr to contact the surface of the nail using minimal pressure avoiding contact with the sulci
D/C Dremel use if…?
2
skin / nail becomes warm
client reports any discomfort
How to not Dremel a toe off?
TAKE YOUR TIME AND DO NOT RUSH!
Take the time to work gently and carefully, especially when beginning.
Steps for cutting THICKENED toenails
19 points, but in this case,
steps 8-10 are specific to THICK
- Provide privacy
- Explain procedure (ensure written consent)
- Wash hands
- Assemble equipment on clean, convenient surface that is within easy reach
- Assist client into a comfortable sitting position
- Sit opposite or to the side of the client
- Don personal protective equipment
- Cut the toenails as detailed in the Guidelines for Cutting Normal Toenails
- For toe nails that are onychogryphotic, the Dremel with podiatric burr should be turned on according to the manufacturers instructions
- Pass the podiatric burr over the thickened nail for 2-3 seconds
- File rough nail edges with the Black’s file or Diamond Deb file
- Remove remaining detritus with the curette or Black’s file
- Check between all the toes for debris, remove carefully
- Cleanse toes & toenails
- Apply lotion if appropriate for client
- Assist client into a comfortable position
- Remove & store used equipment
- Wash hands
- Document