A nurse is discussing preventive measures with a patient at risk of cellulitis. What advice should the nurse provide to the patient?

Choice A rationale:

Administering anticoagulant medication is not an appropriate nursing intervention for a patient with a skin infection.

Anticoagulants are used to prevent or treat blood clots and have no direct relevance to managing a skin infection.

Choice B rationale:

Elevating the affected limb is an appropriate nursing intervention for a patient with a skin infection.

Elevation can help reduce swelling and improve circulation to the affected area, which can aid in the healing process.

Choice C rationale:

Applying warm compresses is a suitable nursing intervention for a skin infection, as it can help promote blood flow to the affected area, alleviate pain, and potentially aid in the drainage of any abscesses or pus.

Choice D rationale:

Encouraging frequent ambulation may or may not be appropriate, depending on the severity and location of the skin infection.

While ambulation can be beneficial for preventing complications such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in some cases, it may not be suitable if the infection is in an area where movement exacerbates symptoms or if the patient's overall condition is too compromised.

Choice E rationale:

Administering NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) for pain relief is generally appropriate for a patient with a skin infection, as it can help manage pain and reduce inflammation.

However, it should be used in conjunction with other appropriate interventions like warm compresses and elevation.

Choice A rationale:

The statement advises the patient to scrub the affected area vigorously with soap and water.

This is not appropriate for wound care in cellulitis.

Scrubbing the area vigorously can cause further damage to the skin, increase the risk of infection, and delay healing.

The use of harsh mechanical methods like scrubbing should be avoided in wound care.

Choice B rationale:

This statement correctly advises the patient to avoid cleaning the wound with hydrogen peroxide, as it may delay healing.

Hydrogen peroxide can be cytotoxic to healthy tissue and can slow down the healing process.

It's essential to use gentle, non-cytotoxic methods for wound cleaning.

Choice C rationale:

Keeping the wound uncovered is not recommended for proper wound care in cellulitis.

Open wounds are more susceptible to contamination, and covering the wound helps protect it from environmental contaminants and reduces the risk of infection.

Choice D rationale:

Applying antibiotic ointment multiple times a day may not be necessary and could potentially lead to antibiotic resistance.

It's essential to follow the healthcare provider's instructions regarding the frequency of antibiotic ointment application.

Overuse of antibiotics can have detrimental effects on both the individual and public health.