Foot care involves washing, drying, and applying lotion to one of the resident's feet while the resident sits in a chair. The exam tests one foot only. This skill tests your ability to provide hygienic care safely: water temperature, drying between the toes, careful lotion use, and supporting the leg throughout.
Equipment and Supplies Needed
- 2 washcloths
- Towels for drying (the resident's foot rests on the disposable barrier, and you dry with a towel)
- Disposable underpad (chux) placed on the floor under the basin
- 1 pair of gloves
- 2 basins
- Soap
- Lotion
Step-by-Step Procedure
Below are the criteria checklist checkpoints for Foot Care on the Florida CNA clinical skills exam, the same checkpoints the evaluators score. Checkpoints marked (IC) are the universal indirect care checkpoints, which are scored on every skill.
- Greet resident, address by name and introduce self? (IC)
- Provide explanations to resident about care before beginning and during care? (IC)
- Place water filled basin on protective barrier on floor to prepare for foot care?
- Use water of safe temperature for soaking foot?
- Soak resident's foot in basin of water?
- Use soapy washcloth to wash foot without adding soap directly to basin of water?
- Wash top and bottom of foot and between toes?
- Remove soap from foot including between toes?
- Dry entire top and bottom of foot including between toes?
- Warm lotion before applying to foot (e.g., warming in hands, placing bottle in warm water)?
- Apply lotion to top and bottom of foot, excluding between toes?
- Remove visible excess lotion from foot if present after applying?
- Apply sock to foot leaving sock smooth, and replace shoe; leaving any fasteners, such as ties, secured?
- Provide support to lower extremity throughout procedure as needed to avoid strain?
- Avoid placing resident's barefoot directly on floor before, during or after foot care?
- Complete skill having rinsed, dried and stored basin, placing soiled linens in hamper, and disposing of trash?
- Ask resident about preferences during care? (IC)
- Use Standard Precautions and infection control measures when providing care? (IC)
- Ask resident about comfort or needs during care or before care completed? (IC)
- Promote resident's rights during care? (IC)
- Promote resident's safety during care? (IC)
- Dry thoroughly between the toes: trapped moisture promotes fungal infections.
- Do NOT apply lotion between the toes.
- Check water temperature before immersing feet: elderly and diabetic residents may have reduced sensation.
- Report any skin abnormalities you observe.
- Never add soap directly to the basin: wash with a soapy washcloth instead.
- Never let the resident's bare foot rest directly on the floor, and warm the lotion before applying it. Remove any visible excess lotion.
Common Mistakes on the Prometric Test
Based on our experience preparing thousands of students for Florida's CNA state exam, here are the most common mistakes candidates make on this skill:
- Not drying between toes: Moisture between the toes is the leading cause of fungal infections in the feet. Dry thoroughly.
- Applying lotion between toes: Lotion goes on the feet but NOT between the toes. Moisture there promotes fungal growth.
- Not checking water temperature: Elderly and diabetic residents may not feel hot water. Always test on your inner wrist first.
- Treating it like two feet: The exam tests one foot only, with the resident seated in a chair. Support the lower extremity throughout to avoid strain.
Test Day Tips for Foot Care
- Remember the two 'between the toes' rules: DO dry thoroughly, do NOT apply lotion.
- Take a moment to actually inspect the feet: the evaluator watches for this.
- Check the water temperature on your wrist first, then ask the resident if it's comfortable.
- Never add soap directly to the basin and never return a used washcloth to the soak water; lather over the barrier and set used cloths aside so the water stays clean.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't you put lotion between the toes?
Moisture trapped between the toes creates an environment where fungal infections (like athlete's foot) can thrive. Lotion should be applied to the tops and bottoms of the feet but NOT between the toes.
Master This Skill with Video Demonstrations
Reading the steps is a great start, but watching the skill performed correctly makes a huge difference on test day. Our online CNA course includes:
- HD video demonstration of Foot Care performed exactly as Prometric expects
- Detailed narration explaining each checkpoint the evaluator looks for
- Practice scenarios and tips from experienced CNA instructors
- All 22 clinical skills plus written exam preparation
Start with a free course preview. See the quality of our video instruction before you commit.
All 22 CNA Clinical Skills
See the full CNA clinical skills guide, or jump to any skill: Handwashing · Mouth Care (Brushing Teeth) · Hand and Nail Care · Denture Care · Feeding a Resident · Taking a Pulse · Measuring Respirations · Changing an Occupied Bed · Dressing with One-Sided Weakness · Female Catheter Care · Bedpan Assistance · Emptying Urinary Drainage Bag · Female Perineal Care · Range of Motion (Lower Body) · Range of Motion (Elbow and Wrist) · Range of Motion (Shoulder) · Partial Bed Bath · Change of Position · Wheelchair Transfer · Ambulation with Gait Belt · Indirect Care.
Written by Jaime Arias, owner of Florida CNA Online since 2020.
Medically reviewed by Magalys Herrera Pérez, Licenciada en Enfermería (Licentiate in Nursing), August 2026.