A patient with a history of chronic venous insufficiency is being seen in the emergency department complaining of pain and swelling in his right lower leg that began the previous night, along with fever, chills, and sweating

Question

The patient states that she "hit her leg on the car door 4 or 5 days ago and it has been sore ever since." The nurse suspects that this might be:
A) Thrombocytopenia
B) Arterial insufficiency
C) Cellulitis
D) Phlebothrombosis

Answer 1

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 that 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 lack of an identifiable trauma that accounts for the source of infection.