Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Practice Exam

Mr. Jefferson has poorly controlled diabetes and an infected toe. What is the likely treatment for his toe?

1. Massage therapy

2. Splinting the toe

3. Amputation of the toe

4. Applying hot packs

The correct answer is: Amputation of the toe

The likely treatment for Mr. Jefferson’s infected toe, given his poorly controlled diabetes, is amputation of the toe. In patients with diabetes, infections can escalate quickly due to impaired circulation and delayed wound healing, particularly in the extremities. When an infection becomes severe or if the tissue is necrotic, preservation of the surrounding health may necessitate surgical intervention, which can include amputation. This approach aims to prevent the spread of infection and to protect overall limb health. In contrast, other options such as massage therapy or applying hot packs would not be appropriate as they could exacerbate the infection or damage the area further. Splinting the toe does not address the underlying issue of infection and could also lead to complications if the toe is already affected. In cases like Mr. Jefferson's, priority is given to controlling infection and protecting the patient’s overall health.