A nurse is assessing a client with cellulitis.
Select all the nursing interventions that are appropriate for managing cellulitis.

Choice A rationale:

Cellulitis occurs when the skin's protective barrier is compromised.

Cellulitis is a bacterial skin infection that occurs when bacteria enter the skin through a break or opening in the protective barrier, such as a cut, wound, or insect bite.

The bacteria then multiply in the underlying tissues, leading to inflammation, redness, warmth, swelling, and pain.

Choice A is correct because it accurately describes the pathophysiology of cellulitis, emphasizing the importance of a compromised skin barrier in its development.

Choice B rationale:

Cellulitis is primarily caused by a viral infection.

This statement is incorrect.

Cellulitis is primarily caused by bacterial infections, commonly by Streptococcus and Staphylococcus species.

Viruses do not typically cause cellulitis.

Choice C rationale:

Cellulitis leads to increased blood clot formation.

This statement is incorrect.

Cellulitis does not lead to increased blood clot formation.

Instead, it causes inflammation and infection in the skin and underlying tissues.

Choice D rationale:

Cellulitis results in excessive sweating in the affected area.

This statement is incorrect.

Cellulitis does not result in excessive sweating.

It causes localized symptoms such as redness, warmth, swelling, and pain, but sweating is not a characteristic feature of cellulitis.

Choice A rationale:

"Fever and chills are common symptoms of skin infections and indicate your body's immune response." This response is correct.

Fever and chills are often seen in response to infections as the body's natural defense mechanism.

These symptoms indicate an elevated body temperature, which can help the body fight off the infection.

Choice B rationale:

"Fever and chills are unrelated to your skin infection; we will investigate the cause separately." This response is not accurate.

Fever and chills are typically associated with infections, including skin infections.

Dismissing their connection to the skin infection is not appropriate.

Choice C rationale:

"Fever and chills are side effects of the antibiotic therapy we prescribed." This response is misleading.

While some antibiotics may cause side effects like fever or allergic reactions, fever and chills are primarily the body's response to the infection itself, not side effects of antibiotic therapy.

Choice D rationale:

"Fever and chills are due to dehydration; make sure to drink more fluids." This response is incorrect.

While dehydration can lead to symptoms like weakness and dry mouth, it is not a common cause of fever and chills in the context of a skin infection.

Fever and chills are more likely related to the infection itself.