In giving foot care to a patient with diabetes, what action should a PCA avoid?

Soaking the patient’s feet for more than 5 minutes should be avoided, especially for individuals with diabetes. Prolonged soaking can lead to skin maceration, which increases the risk of skin breakdown and infection, both of which can be particularly problematic for diabetic patients who may already have compromised circulation and sensation in their feet.

For patients with diabetes, it's crucial to maintain skin integrity and minimize any risk that could lead to foot complications, such as ulcers or infections. Brief soaking may be acceptable, but exceeding a time limit, like five minutes, can create an environment that may worsen these risks.

The other actions, such as briefly soaking feet for less than five minutes, using lotion on the feet (as long as it doesn't get between the toes), and checking the feet for sores and blisters, are all important steps in diabetic foot care. They help maintain foot hygiene and health, ensuring any potential problems are caught early.