The nurse notes that the client with diabetes mellitus that he is cari

The nurse notes that the client with diabetes mellitus that he is caring for has some edema in both lower extremities. The client also has a small open lesion on her right great toe.

The nurse understands that this is a complication of diabetes mellitus and will additionally assess the client’s sensation to light touch, pinprick, and temperature to determine if she has:
1. Glaucoma
2. Psoriasis
3. Neuropathy
4. Dermatitis

ANSWER

ANS: 3
Palpation of the dorsalis pedis and posterior tibial pulses indicates whether adequate blood flow is reaching peripheral tissues. Edema and changes in skin color, texture, and temperature indicate if the client requires special hygienic care. Also check persons with diabetes mellitus for neurop-athy, degeneration of the peripheral nerves characterized by a loss of sensation. Assess the cli-ent’s sensation to light touch, pinprick, and temperature. Glaucoma is diagnosed by an eye ex-amination that measures intraocular pressure. Psoriasis and dermatitis are both skin conditions.