Cellulitis Flashcards
Presentation of Cellulitis
Poorly demarcated erythema
Edema
Warmth
Tenderness
Common cause
Staph
Common sites for cellulitis
head, neck , arms, legs and feet
Cellulitis Clinical Manifestations
RAPID ONSET
Inflammation is chief symtom Edema Warmth Tenderness LYmphangitis -- inflammation of lymph vessel
Cellulitis Sign/ Symptoms
Localized or entire limb Common in the lower extremities Chills Malaise Fever Increase in WBCs Elevated CRP
Cellulitis Risk Factors
Diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, obesity, perpheral vascular disease, Tnea pedis (athletes foot), immunosuppressive agents
Cellulitis Prevention
Individuals with a skin wound are at risk of developing cellulitis, good wound care
Diagnostic Test for cellulitis
CBC to determin WBC’s
Cultures taken to identify causative organisms – wound drainage
Blood Cultures
Cellulitis Pharmacologic Therapy
Oral antibiotics usually effective against streptococcal, staphylococcal infections – usually help with in 48-72 hours
Systemic antibiotics, analgesics for severe cases or large affected areas
Recovery begins within 48 hours; therapy should continue for at least 10 days
Cellulitis Nonpharmacologic
Rest area
pressure stocking, warm compress
Elevate the area to help reduce swelling
Infection control measures
Nursing Process
Prevent complication, cellulitis patients are more at risk
Assessment
Recognize, Document (demarktation, redness, etc)
Health history
Head to toe assessment
Cellulitis Nursing Diagnosis
Altered skin integrity
Acute Pain
Interrupted family process
Planning goal
Report pain of 3 or lower
Describe situations requiring contact with the provider
Explain how to take antibiotics and analgesics properly
Demonstrate understanding of proper wound care
Cellulitis Implementation
Administer prescribed antibiotics Supportive care Warm compress 4xday Elevation Bed Rest
Evaluation
Trace outer edges of wound with black marker to allow better evaluation of changes in size and area covered by the wound
Provider should be notified if the cellulitis enlarges or spreads
Healthcare Associated Infections
Health care-associated (nosocomial) infections (also referred to as hospital-acquired infections
Infections acquired in a hospital or other health care facility and were not present or incubating at the time of a client’s admission
Common causative organisms Staphylococcus aureus Hemolytic Streptococci Streptococcus pneumoniae Haemophilus influenzae
Common Infections associated with Hospital Settings
Pneumonia
Central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI)
Methicillin-resistant Staphyloccocus aureus (MRSA)
Vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE)
Clostridium difficile (C. difficile)
Surgical site infections (SSI),
Ventilator-associated Pneumonia (VAC)
Catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI)
Bacteria and viruses that can be transmitted to others in long-term care facilities include:
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
Clostridium difficile (C. diff)
Norovirus
Other bacteria and viruses
