Nail and Foot Care Performance Checklist

Assisting the Client with Nail and Foot Care

Check care plan for direction and client needs. Perform hand hygiene. Assess the client’s status before undertaking the activity. Explain the procedure to the client. Provide for privacy. Collect basin, towels, clippers and orange stick, soap and warm water. Put on gloves. Apply face mask and goggles as necessary.

Fingernail Care:

• Soak client’s fingers in basin for no more than 5 minutes. Remove the basin. Dry the hands and between the fingers thoroughly.
• Clean under fingernails with orange stick. Use a towel to wipe the orange stick after each nail.
• Clip fingernails straight across with nail clippers, clip the nails in a gentle curve so that the nails are even with or just below the tips of the fingers, according to the client’s care plan and following employer’s policies.
• Perform hand hygiene.

Foot Care:

• Place the basin on the bathmat. Assist client to put the feet into the basin.
• Soak for no more than 5 minutes if not contraindicated.
• Wash the feet with soap and a washcloth. Rinse the feet and between the toes. Remove the feet from the basin.
• Clean under nails with orange stick.
• Dry thoroughly, especially between the toes. Use a towel to wipe the orange stick after each nail. Clip toenails straight across only if client has been assessed and approved by RN/LPN supervisor and according to agency policy. Do not clip toenails immediately after soaking feet.
• With nail clippers, clip the nails in a gentle curve only if the client has been assessed and approved by RN/LPN supervisor and according to agency policy. If the client’s foot has been soaking, wait 5 to 10 minutes before starting with nail care.
• File toenails with emery board.
• Apply lotion to the tops and soles of the feet. Do not apply lotion between the toes.
• Provide for safety and comfort. Remove gloves. Perform hand hygiene. Tidy area.
• Report and record actions and observations according to agency policy.