The nurse working with a child who has cellulitis anticipates ...

[savannahhooper]

The nurse working with a child who has cellulitis anticipates doctor's orders for which of the following usual treatment regimens?
 
  a. whirlpool, meperidine (Demerol) or morphine sulfate, and wet to dry dressings
  b. oral antibiotics, warm compresses, immobilization, elevation of the extremity, and analgesics
  c. debridement of the wounds, antibiotic creams, dressings, and an Ace bandage
  d. incision and drainage with antibiotics placed in the wound, done as a minor surgical procedure in day surgery

Question 2

The nurse assessing a child with cellulitis will most often find which of the following classic symptoms?
 
  a. skin breakdown and areas of ulceration resulting from inflammation of cells
  b. complaint of burning and tightness in the area of the cellulitis
  c. erythema, swelling, warmth, pain, and diffuse borders of the infected area
  d. no visible signs but the child will complain of varying types of pain

[Li Jun]

Answer to Question 1

B

Feedback
A Incorrect. Working with a child who has cellulitis, the nurse will not expect doctor's orders for whirlpool, meperidine (Demerol) or morphine sulfate, and wet to dry dressings.
B Correct. The child with limited cellulitis can generally be managed on an outpatient basis with a regimen of oral antibiotics, warm compresses, immobilization and elevation of the extremity, and comfort measures.
C Incorrect. Working with a child who has cellulitis, the nurse will not expect doctor's orders for debridement of the wounds, antibiotic creams, dressings, and an Ace bandage.
D Incorrect. Working with a child who has cellulitis, the nurse will not expect doctor's orders for incision and drainage with antibiotics placed in the wound, done as a minor surgical procedure in day surgery.

Answer to Question 2

C

Feedback
A Incorrect. Skin breakdown and an area of ulceration is not a classic symptom of cellulitis.
B Incorrect. Further, client reports of burning and tightness in the area are not considered classic symptoms of cellulitis.
C Correct. The classic symptoms of cellulitis include erythema, swelling, warmth, and pain. Additionally, the borders of the infection will be irregular and diffuse, extended as the infection progresses.
D Incorrect. The client's report of varying types of pain is also not considered a classic symptom.