A nurse is providing education to a patient with cellulitis. Which statement by the nurse is appropriate for teaching proper wound care and hygiene?
"You should scrub the affected area vigorously with soap and water.".
"Avoid cleaning the wound with hydrogen peroxide, as it may delay healing.".
"You should keep the wound uncovered to allow it to air out.".
"It's essential to apply antibiotic ointment to the wound multiple times a day.".
The Correct Answer is B
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","E"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Administering prescribed antibiotics is a crucial nursing intervention in managing cellulitis.
Antibiotics are the primary treatment for bacterial infections, and they are necessary to eradicate the infection.
Choice B rationale:
Teaching the patient proper wound care and hygiene is essential for managing cellulitis.
Proper wound care can help prevent the infection from worsening and promote healing.
Education on wound care is a vital aspect of nursing care for cellulitis.
Choice C rationale:
Advising the patient to apply cold compresses to the affected area is not typically recommended in the management of cellulitis.
Cold compresses may provide some relief for discomfort, but they are not a primary treatment for cellulitis.
Antibiotics and wound care are the mainstay of treatment.
Choice D rationale:
Advising the patient to limit fluid intake is not a standard nursing intervention for managing cellulitis.
In fact, it's important for patients with cellulitis to stay well-hydrated to support their overall health and immune function.
Choice E rationale:
Monitoring for signs of complications, such as fever or worsening symptoms, is a crucial nursing intervention in managing cellulitis.
Cellulitis can lead to serious complications if not promptly identified and treated.
Close monitoring allows for early intervention if complications arise.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
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.
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