Cellulitis- EXAM 3

Question 1

What is Cellulitis

Answer 1

Acute bacterial infection of the dermis
Presents as warm, red, tender and intense pain
Inflammation being a chief symptom
Can be localized or entire limb
Severe infection can cause fever, increased WBC

Question 2

Pathophysiology

Answer 2

When normal flora enters dermis through a skin break and multiply causing
Erythema, Pain, Warmth at site, Edema

Question 3

What is Erysipelas

Answer 3

Superficial cellulitis of skin
Caused by group A streptococcus
Affects lower extremities and face
Can predispose individuals to septicemia, septic shock if treatment is delayed

Question 4

What is the most common type

Answer 4

Staphylococcus aureus
Next most commonis group a streptococcus
But can also result from nearby abscess and sinusitis

Question 5

Risk factors in children

Answer 5

Trauma
Folliculitis
and untreated tooth decay

Question 6

Risk factors in adults

Answer 6

Thinner and more elastic skin
Reduced physical activity

Question 7

Common RF

Answer 7

DM, Obesity, Previous history of cellulitis, PVD, Tinea pedis and Weakened immune system

Question 8

Prevention

Answer 8

Good wound care
Skin protection- keeping skin moist, wearing fitted shoes, good nail hygiene

Question 9

Diagnostic tests

Answer 9

CBC will show increased WBC
Fluid cultures
Blood cultures , Blood lactic acid levels will identify possible sepsis

Question 10

Pharmacological therapy

Answer 10

Oral antibiotic and systemic antibiotics
Recovery begins within 48 hours
Should be continued for at least 10 days

Question 11

Nonpharmacologic Therapy

Answer 11

Adequate rest
Elevation of area above the heart to reduce swelling
Infection control measures

Question 12

Considerations in children

Answer 12

Are more prone to pick and scratch wounds, can increase their risk
Under 3, facial cellulitis more common, can lead to meningitis
Monitor for rapid inflammation and infection
Infants are more susceptible to sepsis

Question 13

Considerations in older adults

Answer 13

Adults with poor circulation, diabetes, weakened immune system may develop cellulitis without loss of skin integrity

Question 14

Assessing cellulitis

Answer 14

1.Recognize the infection
2. Document location and symptoms
3. Monitor vital signs
4. Observations and patient interview
5.Physical examination- Assessing for fever! Assessing area from redness, swelling and warmth
Trace boarder to help recognize size changes

Question 15

Implementation

Answer 15

Administer prescribed antibiotics
Warm compresses 4x day
Bedrest
Advise patient about possible complications
Provider should be notified if the cellulitis enlarges or spreads