Herbert Marshall is a 56-year-old man admitted to the hospitalwith a severe case of cellulitis. Mr. Marshall has a history ofchronic tinea pedis, which he usually treats with over-the-counter(OTC) medications. When he awoke yesterday, his left foot waserythematous, hot, and tender. He applied an OTC antifungal cream,hoping that would improve his condition. However, today hepresented at the clinic complaining of throbbing pain in his foot.The symptoms of inflammation had worsened, including increasederythema and edema of the foot and lower leg. After completing aphysical exam, the physician made a diagnosis of cellulitis andadmitted Mr. Marshall to the hospital for intravenous (IV)antibiotic treatment.
Cellulitis is an infection of the skin, usually caused bystreptococcal or staphylococcal bacteria entering through a breakin the skin. Common symptoms include erythema, heat, edema, andtenderness. Treatment for mild cases is oral antibiotics. Severecases usually require IV antibiotic therapy. Surgical debridement,medical removal of dead tissue, may also be necessary.
Mr. Marshall’s foot has become more
red
blue
dry
yellow
Question 2
Mr. Marshall’s foot has also become more
hardened
bruised
swollen
scaly
Question 3
Mr. Marshall has a history of
dry, flakey skin
blackheads
loss of skin pigmentation
athlete’s foot
Question 4
Cellulitis is usually an infection of the
hair
skin
fingernails or toenails
glands
Question 5
Cellulitis is caused by
bacteria
a virus
poor hygiene
exposure to cold temperatures
Question 6
Cellulitis may be treated with
surgery
oral antibiotics
intravenous antibiotics
all of these
