By: F. Tejada & J.
Tubeo
Concept Map of Cellulitis
Predisposing factors: Precipitating factor:
Obesity Breaks in the skin (cut, graze, burn, animal/insect bite,
Alcoholism puncture wound, skin ulcer)
Diabetes Pre-existing skin infection, such as athlete's foot (tinea pedis)
Low socio-economic status: highly densely populated areas impetigo, chickenpox and shingles
Poor nutrition: low protein and Vit C intake Exposure of bacteria (group A streptococcus or
Lymphadema staphylococcus aureus bacteria)
Conditions that compromise the function of the immune
system (for example, HIV/AIDS or those receiving
chemotherapy or drugs that depress the immune system)
Intravenous drug use
History of cellulitis
peripheral vascular disease
Entry of bacteria (usually strep or staph) through skin impairment
Bacteria releases toxins in the subcutaneous tissues
It overwhelms the defensive cells
(neutrophils, eosinophils, and mast cells)
These cells normally breakdown cellular Leukocytosis
components, localize inflammation Headache
High Fever, chills,
diaphoresis
Malaise
Increase capillary Vasodilation Muscle aches/pain
permeability
Exudation of plasma
proteins Rubor Increase blood
(redness) flow
Edema
Calor
(heat) By: F. Tejada & J. Tubeo
Dolor Tumor
(pain) (swelling)
ACUTE PAIN IMPAIRED COMFORT
A. Elevate head of bed at intervals. Turn client A. Provide comfort through therapeutic touch.
from side to side. B. Instruct deep breathing exercising every 15 minutes
B. The patient is instructed to elevate the affected for 2 hours.
area above heart level and apply warm, moist
C. Place on high backrest.
packs to the site every 2 to 4 hours
C. Encourage use of relaxation techniques, such as D. Encourage verbalization of feelings to minimize
deep- breathing exercises, guided imagery, and discomfort.
visualization. Provide divertsonal activities.
MEDICAL MANAGEMENT: DIAGNOSTIC TESTS:
Mild cases of cellulitis can be treated on an Doctors often diagnose through looking at the
outpatient basis with oral antibiotic therapy. symptoms. In most cases, there is no need for further
If the cellulitis is severe, the patient is treated testing.
with IV antibiotics. Sometimes UTZ will be used to make sure there is no
The key to preventing recurrent episodes of
blood clot in a deep vein. A CT Scan or an MRI may
cellulitis lies in adequate antibiotic therapy
for the initial event and in identifying the site also be done to rule out other problems.
of bacterial entry. If the initial treatment with antibiotics is not effective,
Cracks and fissures that occur in the skin your doctor ay take samples of your blood and skin to
between the toes must be examined as potential identify specific bacteria present and select a more
sites of bacterial entry. (Other locations include effective antibiotic.
drug use injection sites, contusions, abrasions)
Precipitating Factors Predisposing Factor s Disease process
Signs/Symptoms Nursing Dx /Intervention
Diagnostic Test Medical Management
By: F. Tejada & J. Tubeo
CELLULITIS
By: F. Tejada & J. Tubeo
By: F. Tejada & J. Tubeo
By: F. Tejada & J. Tubeo
By: F. Tejada & J. Tubeo
By: F. Tejada & J. Tubeo
Sources:
Smeltzer, S.C., Bare, B.G., Hinkle, J.L., & Cheever, K.H. (2010). Brunner & Suddarths Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing (12th ed.). Philadelphia: Lippincott
Williams & Wilkins.
http://www.google.com.ph/imgres?imgurl=&imgrefurl=http%3A%2F%2Fbrights-thoughts.blogspot.com
http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/cellulitis
http://www.tonybullard.com/2008/02/
Retrieved on Sept 23, 2013 10:25PM
