32. What should the nurse aide do when a resident with diabetes requests the nurse aide to cut and paint the resident's toenails?
Answer: B
The nurse aide should make the resident's request for toenail clipping and nail care known to the nurse.
It is essential for the nurse aide to inform the nurse about the resident's request for toenail clipping and nail care. This ensures that proper protocols are followed, especially considering the resident's diabetes, which may complicate nail care.
A) Apply gloves, clip nails and paint the resident's toenails the resident's choice of nail color.
This option is incorrect because the nurse aide should not perform nail care procedures such as clipping and painting toenails without proper authorization or guidance from a nurse. Residents with diabetes often require specialized care to prevent complications, necessitating a professional assessment before proceeding.
B) Make the resident's request for toenail clipping and nail care known to the nurse.
This option is correct as it prioritizes the safety and health of the resident. By notifying the nurse, the aide ensures that the resident's request is handled correctly, adhering to the facility's protocols for diabetic care.
C) Report the resident request to the social worker to make an appointment with the resident's doctor.
This choice is incorrect because while consultation with a doctor might be necessary for ongoing care, it is not the immediate action required in response to the resident's request. The nurse aide should first relay the request to the nurse, who can then determine if further medical consultation is needed.
D) Inform the resident's family that the resident would like to have a scheduled pedicure.
This option is also incorrect as it does not address the resident's immediate request. The nurse aide should focus on communicating with the nurse rather than involving the family at this stage, as the appropriate nursing staff can manage the situation directly.
Conclusion
Option B is definitively the correct choice as it ensures that the resident's needs are communicated to the appropriate healthcare professional. This action is crucial in maintaining the resident's safety and health, particularly given the complexities associated with diabetes. The other options fail to adhere to the necessary protocols for proper care, potentially putting the resident at risk.