Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Practice Exam

In a long term care facility, who is the person who would most likely to trim the toenails of a resident?

1. The nurse on duty.

2. The family members.

3. The resident themselves.

4. The podiatrist (foot doctor).

The correct answer is: The podiatrist (foot doctor).

In a long-term care facility, the podiatrist is the appropriate professional to trim the toenails of a resident, particularly when there are underlying health issues or complications such as diabetes or poor circulation. Podiatrists possess specialized training in foot care, allowing them to identify and treat any foot-related problems. This is especially important in elderly residents who may have conditions that make foot care more complicated, including infections, ingrown toenails, or other podiatric disorders. While nurses may assist with basic foot care and family members might help with activities of daily living, neither are typically trained to perform nail trimming in the same capacity as a podiatrist. Residents may be able to trim their own toenails if they are capable yet may require assistance or intervention for safety and health reasons. Thus, seeking the expertise of a podiatrist ensures that toenail trimming is performed correctly and safely, promoting overall foot health.