Bacterial Infections
Which organism most commonly causes cellulitis?
What is Staphylococcus aureus (or Streptococcus pyogenes)? – These bacteria enter through a break in the skin, causing redness, warmth, swelling, and pain.
This viral infection causes painful, grouped vesicles on an erythematous base, often triggered by stress or illness.
What is Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)? – HSV-1 affects the mouth/lips; HSV-2 affects the genitals. Reactivated by stress, fever, or UV light.
This superficial fungal infection is commonly known as “ringworm” and appears as a circular, scaly lesion with central clearing
What is Tinea Corporis? – A dermatophyte infection; treat with topical antifungals and keep the area dry and clean.
This chronic, autoimmune skin disorder causes silvery, scaly plaques on extensor surfaces like elbows and knees.
What is Psoriasis? – Results from accelerated keratinocyte turnover; managed with topical corticosteroids, UV therapy, or biologic agents.
In what order should the nurse don personal protective equipment (PPE)?
What is gown, mask, goggles, gloves? – This order ensures the nurse avoids contamination when entering isolation areas.
A patient with cellulitis of the leg should keep the affected limb in which position?
What is elevated above the heart? – Elevation reduces swelling and promotes drainage.
Reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus in sensory nerve ganglia leads to this painful, unilateral vesicular rash.
What is Herpes Zoster (Shingles)? – Painful vesicular rash along a dermatome; may cause postherpetic neuralgia.
This fungal infection of the feet is also called “athlete’s foot.”
What is Tinea Pedis? – Causes itching, burning, and fissures between the toes; treat with antifungal powder or cream.
This autoimmune connective tissue disease leads to thick, hardened skin and can affect internal organs.
What is Scleroderma? – Involves collagen overproduction causing skin tightening, joint stiffness, and possible organ damage.
A nurse teaching a patient with cellulitis about home care should emphasize what main priority?
What is completing the full course of prescribed antibiotics? – Prevents recurrence and resistance.
What classic appearance characterizes impetigo lesions?
What are honey-colored crusts? – Impetigo vesicles rupture, leaving golden, crusted lesions that are highly contagious.
This infestation causes intense nocturnal itching and burrow tracks between the fingers and on the wrists.
What is Scabies? – Caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei; treat with permethrin 5% cream applied to the whole body.
This yeast infection commonly affects moist skin folds, producing red patches with satellite lesions.
What is Cutaneous Candidiasis? – Caused by Candida albicans; treat with topical nystatin or miconazole and keep skin dry.
This limited form of scleroderma is described by the acronym “CREST.”
What is CREST syndrome (Calcinosis, Raynaud’s, Esophageal dysfunction, Sclerodactyly, Telangiectasia)? – A milder variant of systemic sclerosis
A nurse caring for a patient with scabies should use which type of isolation precautions?
What are contact precautions? – Use gown and gloves; mites spread through skin-to-skin contact or shared linens.
The nurse caring for a child with impetigo reinforces which infection-control teaching?
What is “The child may return to school after 24 hours of antibiotic therapy”? – After 24 hours on antibiotics, the infection is no longer contagious.
This parasite lays eggs (nits) on hair shafts and causes intense scalp pruritus.
What is Pediculosis Capitis (head lice)? – Treat with permethrin shampoo and wash bedding and clothing in hot water.
This chronic skin inflammation is characterized by erythematous, scaly plaques that itch and may ooze during acute flares.
What is Contact Dermatitis? – An inflammatory response caused by irritants or allergens; identify and avoid the trigger.
This autoimmune condition causes chronic inflammation of the skin, leading to erythematous plaques that worsen with stress and cold weather.
What is Psoriasis Vulgaris? – The most common psoriasis type; lesions often appear on the scalp, elbows, and knees.
When assessing a wound, which finding would require immediate provider notification?
What is rapidly spreading redness, foul odor, or purulent drainage? – Indicates worsening infection or sepsis.
Which serious complication may follow untreated streptococcal impetigo?
What is acute glomerulonephritis? – Caused by immune reaction to Group A strep infection.
This insect causes linear, itchy bite marks and hides in mattresses and furniture.
What are Bed Bugs (Cimex lectularius)? – Clean bedding and furniture; may need professional pest control.
This chronic, relapsing skin disorder causes silvery scales on extensor surfaces like elbows and knees.
What is Psoriasis? – Caused by rapid keratinocyte turnover; managed with topical corticosteroids, UV light, or biologics.
This autoimmune condition causes excessive collagen deposition and thickened skin, with the potential for pulmonary and renal involvement.
What is Systemic Sclerosis? – Diffuse form of scleroderma; nursing care focuses on skin protection and preventing Raynaud’s attacks.
What is the nurse’s highest priority action before performing any sterile procedure?
What is verifying hand hygiene and maintaining sterile field integrity? – Prevents introduction of pathogens and infection.