You are the triage nurse in the emergency department (ED). A patient presents complaining of pain and swelling in the right lower leg beginning last night along with fever, chills, and sweating
The patient states that she "hit my leg on the car door 4 or five days ago and it has been sore ever since." The patient has a history of chronic venous insufficiency. You suspect that this might be what?
A) Thrombocytopenia
B) Arterial insufficiency
C) Cellulitis
D) Phlebothrombosis
Ans: C
Feedback: Cellulitis is the most common infectious cause of limb swelling. The signs and symptoms include acute onset of swelling, localized redness, and pain; it is frequently associated with systemic signs of fever, chills, and sweating. The patient may be able to identify a trauma that accounts for the source of infection. Option A is incorrect; thrombocytopenia is a loss or decrease in platelets and increases a patient's risk of bleeding. Option B is incorrect; arterial insufficiency would present with pain related to activity. Option D is incorrect but a good answer; phlebothrombosis presents with the same signs and symptoms but is usually associated with mobility limitations and the patient would not be able to identify a trauma that accounts for the source of infection.
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