A nurse is to administer a 500ml bolus of normal saline to a patient over 1 hour?

A. Venous thromboembolism (VTE) - While VTE can cause leg pain and swelling, the presence of fever, chills, and localized trauma history in this scenario points more toward cellulitis.

B. Cellulitis
The client's symptoms, including pain, swelling, fever, chills, and sweating, are indicative of cellulitis, which is a bacterial skin infection. The history of trauma to the leg (hitting the leg on the car door) could have introduced bacteria into the skin, leading to the infection. The client's diabetes mellitus type 2 also increases the risk of developing skin infections due to impaired immune function and circulation. Cellulitis often presents with localized pain, swelling, warmth, redness, and systemic symptoms like fever and chills. Immediate medical evaluation and appropriate antibiotic treatment are necessary for cellulitis.

C. Arterial insufficiency - Arterial insufficiency typically presents with symptoms like intermittent claudication, rest pain, and non-healing wounds due to poor circulation. The symptoms described in the scenario are more consistent with an acute infection (cellulitis) rather than chronic arterial insufficiency.

D. Thrombocytopenia - Thrombocytopenia is a condition characterized by low platelet count and does not directly cause localized pain, swelling, and redness in the leg as described in the scenario.

A. Applying ice intermittently - Ice application helps reduce swelling and inflammation by constricting blood vessels. It is effective in managing pain and preventing further tissue damage in contusions, strains, and sprains.

B. Elevating the injured limb - Elevating the injured limb above the level of the heart helps reduce swelling by allowing fluids to drain away from the injured area. This is particularly important in managing contusions, strains, and sprains where swelling is a common symptom. Elevation supports the body's natural healing processes.

C. Resting the affected extremity - Rest is essential to allow the injured tissue to heal. Avoiding movement and stress on the affected area prevents further damage and promotes the healing process. Resting the extremity prevents additional strain on the injured muscles, ligaments, or tendons, allowing the body to repair the damaged tissues effectively.

D. Massaging the affected limb - Massaging the affected limb is generally not recommended in the acute phase of musculoskeletal injuries, especially contusions, strains, or sprains. Massaging can potentially worsen the injury, increase swelling, and cause further tissue damage. It is important to wait until the initial acute phase has passed and consult a healthcare professional before considering massage therapy.

E. Compression dressings - Compression helps control swelling by applying pressure to the injured area. Compression dressings or bandages provide support to the injured limb, minimize swelling, and reduce the risk of further injury. However, it's essential to apply compression correctly to avoid cutting off circulation, and it's usually best done under the guidance of a healthcare provider.