Certified Wound Care Nurse (CWCN) Practice Exam

What should be observed to assess for foot deformities in diabetic patients?

1. Pulse examination

2. X-ray imaging

3. Foot deformities and range of motion

4. Skin color and temperature

The correct answer is: Foot deformities and range of motion

Assessing foot deformities in diabetic patients primarily involves observing the physical condition of the feet and their functional capabilities. Monitoring for foot deformities includes looking for abnormalities such as bunions, hammer toes, and claw toes, as well as evaluating the range of motion in the toe and ankle joints. This assessment is crucial because diabetes can lead to neuropathy and poor circulation, which may result in changes to the foot structure over time. While other options such as pulse examination, X-ray imaging, and skin color and temperature assessments also provide valuable information about overall foot and vascular health, they do not specifically focus on detecting deformities or functional impairments of the feet. Recognizing tangible deformities directly assists in preventing complications such as ulcers, infections, or the need for surgical intervention, making it an essential part of comprehensive diabetic foot care.