For last week’s practice question, we quizzed participants on what is wrong with JR’s foot. 51% of respondents chose the best answer. We want to clarify and share this important information, so you can pass it on to people living with diabetes and your colleagues, plus prepare for exam success!
Before we start though, if you don’t want any spoilers and haven’t tried the question yet, you can answer it below: Answer Question
Question: JR arrives at the clinic wearing a walking boot due to a recent foot injury. Tells you that they “banged their foot” on some farm equipment and since then it has been warm and swollen. It hurt at first, but the pain has diminished with time.
When JR takes off the boot, you see that the left foot needs attention.
Based on this photo, what diabetes-related foot condition do you suspect?
Answer Choices:
- Peripheral arterial disease
- Venous statis ulcer
- Pre gangrenous inflammation
- Charcot Foot
Getting to the Best Answer
If you are thinking about taking the certification exam, this practice test question will set you up for success. Test writers anticipate possible answers based on the details in the question. They will wave those “juicy answers” right under your nose. Your job is to weed through the particulars, pluck out the most important elements and choose the BEST answer.
Answer 1 is incorrect. 18.96% chose this answer. Peripheral arterial disease. People experiencing peripheral arterial disease usually present with thinner, pale, lower extremities. They complain of pain in their calves or buttocks when walking due to intermittent claudication. Pulses are difficult to palpate due to diminished circulation to lower extremities.
Answer 2 is incorrect. 10.15% of you chose this answer. Venous statis ulcer. This person may have lower extremity venous disease as evidenced by the marked edema and darkened skin. However, although the foot is red and swollen there is no ulcer present in this photo.
Answer 3 is incorrect. About 20.30% of respondents chose this. Pre gangrenous inflammation. This person is certainly experiencing inflammation and edema. However, we can’t determine if their lower extremity is moving toward gangrene just from this photo.
Finally, Answer 4 is correct. 50.59% chose this answer. Charcot Foot. YES, this is the BEST answer. GREAT JOB. This person arrived with a suddenly misshapen foot, coupled with edema and redness. The skin was intact and the individual denied pain. This presentation is the hallmark of Charcot foot, a condition that is a combination of neuropathy and diminished circulation coupled with elevated blood glucose levels. It requires immediate medical attention by a foot specialist. JR sought care from a Podiatrist and his foot was secured in a cast to protect the foot and prevent further damage.
We hope you appreciate this week’s rationale! Thank you so much for taking the time to answer our Question of the Week and participate in this fun learning activity!
Want to learn more about this question? Enroll in our
Level 2 | Lower Extremity Assessment | 1.5 CEs
People with diabetes are at increased risk of Lower Extremity Complications. This course reviews the steps involved in performing a detailed assessment of the lower extremities, including how to use a monofilament and tuning fork to detect neuropathy. We also discuss the significance of the Ankle Brachial Index and strategies to prevent lower extremity complications.
Objectives:
- Describe the risk factors for lower extremity complications.
- Discuss prevention strategies.
- Demonstrate steps involved in a lower extremity assessment.
Intended Audience: This is a great course for healthcare professionals who want to learn the steps involved in providing a thorough lower extremity assessment.
Don’t worry if you can’t make it live. Your registration guarantees access to the recorded version in the Online University.
All hours earned count toward your CDCES Accreditation Information
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The use of DES products does not guarantee the successful passage of the CDCES exam. CBDCE does not endorse any preparatory or review materials for the CDCES exam, except for those published by CBDCE.
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