A client is admitted to the hospital with cellulitis of the lower leg. The nurse would anticipate which of the following therapies to be prescribed?
1. Intermittent heat lamp treatments
2. Alternating hot and cold compresses
3. Warm compresses to the affected area
4. Cold compresses to the affected area
3
Rationale: Warm compresses may be used to decrease the discomfort, erythema, and edema that accompany cellulitis. Definitive treatment includes antibiotic therapy after appropriate cultures have been done. Other supportive measures are also used to manage such symptoms as fatigue, fever, chills, headache, or myalgia. Heat lamps are not used because of the risk of burns, and moist heat is most useful in treating this disorder.
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