Cellulitis
Article from Professional Journal
Cellulitis of the Lower Limb
Med/Surg Week 8
Alexis Runge
Cellulitis is an infection of the dermis and subcutaneous tissue usually caused by Staphylococcus aureus. Cellulitis can occur as an extension of a skin wound, as an ulcer, or from furuncles or carbuncles. The infected area is warm, erythematous, swollen, and painful. The infection is usually in the lower extremities and responds to systemic antibiotics, as well as therapy to relieve pain. Cellulitis can also be associated with other diseases including chronic venous insufficiency and stasis dermatitis.
My patient during my RN shadowing experience had cellulitis in their left lower extremity with an ulceration below the knee, thus creating a portal of entry for the bacteria. Presence of black tissue around ulcer with purulent drainage. Redness to left lower extremity with warm scaly skin, tender, 3+ edema with diffuse borders. Patient showed signs of fatigue, general malaise, and muscle aches and pains. He had joint stiffness in affected extremity due to swelling of the tissue. Blistering was present on affected leg with leakage of serous exudate. His white blood cell counts were elevated to compensate for the bacterial infection. C-reactive proteins were also elevated due to soft tissue inflammation. Compression socks were applied to affected extremity, immobilized the leg and elevated on pillows while laying supine. He was treated with Amoxicillin, which interferes with cell wall replication of susceptible organisms by binding to the bacterial cell wall. Also prescribed Percocet, which inhibits ascending pain pathways in CNS, increases pain threshold and alters pain perception. Area of erythema was marked with a pen and circumference of leg was measured to observe if the cellulitis is spreading or if it is being resolved with treatment. Dressing was applied to ulceration below knee to maintain aseptic technique. Vital signs and lower extremity monitored and assessed
Cellulitis of the Lower Limb
Med/Surg Week 8
Alexis Runge
Cellulitis is an infection of the dermis and subcutaneous tissue usually caused by Staphylococcus aureus. Cellulitis can occur as an extension of a skin wound, as an ulcer, or from furuncles or carbuncles. The infected area is warm, erythematous, swollen, and painful. The infection is usually in the lower extremities and responds to systemic antibiotics, as well as therapy to relieve pain. Cellulitis can also be associated with other diseases including chronic venous insufficiency and stasis dermatitis.
My patient during my RN shadowing experience had cellulitis in their left lower extremity with an ulceration below the knee, thus creating a portal of entry for the bacteria. Presence of black tissue around ulcer with purulent drainage. Redness to left lower extremity with warm scaly skin, tender, 3+ edema with diffuse borders. Patient showed signs of fatigue, general malaise, and muscle aches and pains. He had joint stiffness in affected extremity due to swelling of the tissue. Blistering was present on affected leg with leakage of serous exudate. His white blood cell counts were elevated to compensate for the bacterial infection. C-reactive proteins were also elevated due to soft tissue inflammation. Compression socks were applied to affected extremity, immobilized the leg and elevated on pillows while laying supine. He was treated with Amoxicillin, which interferes with cell wall replication of susceptible organisms by binding to the bacterial cell wall. Also prescribed Percocet, which inhibits ascending pain pathways in CNS, increases pain threshold and alters pain perception. Area of erythema was marked with a pen and circumference of leg was measured to observe if the cellulitis is spreading or if it is being resolved with treatment. Dressing was applied to ulceration below knee to maintain aseptic technique. Vital signs and lower extremity monitored and assessed