Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Practice Exam

Which of the following statements about caring for the hands and feet is true?

1. It is not necessary to provide this care

2. Providing this care helps with weight management

3. Providing this care allows you to observe only the hands

4. Providing this care allows you to observe the hands and feet for signs of health and disease

The correct answer is: Providing this care allows you to observe the hands and feet for signs of health and disease

The correct answer highlights the importance of caring for the hands and feet as part of comprehensive patient care. When providing care for these areas, healthcare providers are able to observe not just the overall condition of the skin but also identify potential signs of health issues or diseases. This might include checking for any cuts, sores, or signs of infection, as well as noting changes in color or temperature that could indicate circulatory problems or other health concerns. This routine assessment is vital because the hands and feet can often reveal significant information about a person's health status. For instance, conditions such as diabetes can manifest in the extremities, making regular checks helpful in early detection and management. In contrast, not providing care would neglect an essential aspect of personal hygiene and health monitoring. Weight management is unrelated to hand and foot care, and limiting observations to only the hands misses the broader view of health that includes both hands and feet. Overall, thorough care of both parts is a critical responsibility of healthcare providers.