A nursing assistant should never cut or trim a person's fingernails or toenails if the person has diabetes, has poor circulation, takes medications that affect blood clotting, or has very thick nails or ingrown toenails. In these situations, the RN or podiatrist must provide nail care instead.

According to the textbook, nursing assistants must never cut or trim nails for people with diabetes, poor circulation, those taking medications that affect blood clotting, and those with very thick nails or ingrown toenails. The book explains that the RN or podiatrist cuts toenails and provides foot care for these persons. Additionally, the text notes that some states and some centers do not allow nursing assistants to cut or trim fingernails or toenails at all, and nursing assistants must always follow center policy and what is allowed in their state.

Key points

Never cut or trim nails if the person has diabetes.
Never cut or trim nails if the person has poor circulation.
Never cut or trim nails if the person takes medications that affect blood clotting.
Never cut or trim nails if the person has very thick nails or ingrown toenails.
The RN or podiatrist provides nail and foot care for these persons.
Follow your state regulations and center policy regarding nail trimming.

What are the conditions under which a nursing assistant should never cut or trim a person's fingernails or toenails?