A nurse is discussing preventive measures for cellulitis with a client. Which statement by the nurse is accurate regarding preventing cellulitis?

Choice A rationale:

"Avoiding handwashing is an effective preventive measure." This statement is incorrect.

Handwashing is a fundamental practice for preventing infections, including cellulitis.

Avoiding handwashing can increase the risk of introducing bacteria into the skin through cuts or wounds.

Choice B rationale:

"Keep your skin well-moisturized to prevent cellulitis." This statement is not accurate.

While maintaining skin hydration is essential for overall skin health, it is not a direct preventive measure for cellulitis.

Preventing cuts and wounds, as well as proper wound care, are more relevant preventive strategies.

Choice C rationale:

"Getting vaccinated against cellulitis is unnecessary." There is no vaccine available specifically for cellulitis.

This statement is accurate.

Cellulitis is primarily caused by bacterial infections, and vaccination against specific bacterial pathogens (e.g., Streptococcus or Staphylococcus) may indirectly reduce the risk of cellulitis by preventing related infections, but there is no direct vaccine for cellulitis.

Choice D rationale:

"Clean and properly care for any breaks in your skin to reduce the risk of cellulitis." This statement is accurate and emphasizes an essential preventive measure for cellulitis.

Keeping the skin clean, promptly treating any cuts or wounds, and practicing proper wound care can reduce the risk of cellulitis by preventing bacterial entry and infection.

Choice A rationale:

Administering anticoagulant medication is not appropriate for a patient with localized redness, warmth, swelling, pain, and tenderness in the lower limb.

These symptoms suggest a potential inflammatory or infectious process, not a blood clot.

Anticoagulants are used to prevent or treat blood clots, and there is no indication for their use based on the presented symptoms.

Choice B rationale:

Applying cold compresses to the affected area is an appropriate nursing intervention for a patient with localized redness, warmth, swelling, pain, and tenderness.

These symptoms are indicative of inflammation or infection, and cold compresses can help reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and provide comfort to the patient.

Choice C rationale:

Encouraging the patient to ambulate frequently may not be appropriate at this stage.

Ambulation is generally encouraged to prevent complications such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in hospitalized patients.

However, in the presence of localized redness, warmth, swelling, pain, and tenderness, it is essential to identify the underlying cause and provide appropriate treatment and rest before promoting ambulation.

Choice D rationale:

Administering acetaminophen for pain relief is a reasonable option, but it addresses only the symptom (pain) and not the underlying cause of the patient's condition.

While pain management is important for patient comfort, it should be combined with interventions that directly address the inflammation or infection responsible for the symptoms.

Therefore, choice B (cold compresses) is a more appropriate initial intervention.