A client with cellulitis presents with redness, warmth, swelling, and pain in the affected area.
Which statement made by the client indicates an understanding of the clinical presentation?

Choice A rationale:

Administering anticoagulant medication is not an appropriate nursing intervention for a patient with a skin infection.

Anticoagulants are used to prevent or treat blood clots and have no direct relevance to managing a skin infection.

Choice B rationale:

Elevating the affected limb is an appropriate nursing intervention for a patient with a skin infection.

Elevation can help reduce swelling and improve circulation to the affected area, which can aid in the healing process.

Choice C rationale:

Applying warm compresses is a suitable nursing intervention for a skin infection, as it can help promote blood flow to the affected area, alleviate pain, and potentially aid in the drainage of any abscesses or pus.

Choice D rationale:

Encouraging frequent ambulation may or may not be appropriate, depending on the severity and location of the skin infection.

While ambulation can be beneficial for preventing complications such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in some cases, it may not be suitable if the infection is in an area where movement exacerbates symptoms or if the patient's overall condition is too compromised.

Choice E rationale:

Administering NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) for pain relief is generally appropriate for a patient with a skin infection, as it can help manage pain and reduce inflammation.

However, it should be used in conjunction with other appropriate interventions like warm compresses and elevation.

Choice A rationale:

Administering anticoagulant medication is not appropriate for a patient with localized redness, warmth, swelling, pain, and tenderness in the lower limb.

These symptoms suggest a potential inflammatory or infectious process, not a blood clot.

Anticoagulants are used to prevent or treat blood clots, and there is no indication for their use based on the presented symptoms.

Choice B rationale:

Applying cold compresses to the affected area is an appropriate nursing intervention for a patient with localized redness, warmth, swelling, pain, and tenderness.

These symptoms are indicative of inflammation or infection, and cold compresses can help reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and provide comfort to the patient.

Choice C rationale:

Encouraging the patient to ambulate frequently may not be appropriate at this stage.

Ambulation is generally encouraged to prevent complications such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in hospitalized patients.

However, in the presence of localized redness, warmth, swelling, pain, and tenderness, it is essential to identify the underlying cause and provide appropriate treatment and rest before promoting ambulation.

Choice D rationale:

Administering acetaminophen for pain relief is a reasonable option, but it addresses only the symptom (pain) and not the underlying cause of the patient's condition.

While pain management is important for patient comfort, it should be combined with interventions that directly address the inflammation or infection responsible for the symptoms.

Therefore, choice B (cold compresses) is a more appropriate initial intervention.