A patient has cellulitis of the right foot. The nurse would expect which of the following signs?
Explanation
• Cellulitis is a skin infection that extends into the dermis and subcutaneous tissue.
• The typical signs of cellulitis are an area of skin that is red, warm, tender or painful, swollen, and with a glossy appearance. Fever may be present. There may be an open wound with or without drainage, but can also occur in areas with skin that is intact.
• Cellulitis is not associated with a change in respiration rate, itching rash, or red nodules.