Cellulitis Nursing Care Plans

Cellulitis is a bacterial skin infection that causes redness, warmth, and swelling. For nursing students, knowing the right nursing diagnoses and interventions helps prevent serious complications like sepsis.

This quick guide includes four sample nursing care plans and a link to our Medical-Surgical Study Guide (downloadable PDF) to help you prepare for exams.

Quick Assessment Checklist

  • Red, swollen, painful skin

  • Fever or chills

  • Wound or open cut

  • Warmth and tenderness

  • Increased WBC count

Nursing Care Plans for Cellulitis

Nursing Care Plan #1 – Impaired Skin Integrity

Impaired Skin Integrity related to disruption of epidermis secondary to cellulitis as evidenced by redness and swelling.

Interventions & Rationales:

  • Clean wound and apply dressings daily → prevents infection spread.

  • Elevate limb → reduces edema.

  • Monitor drainage → indicates healing.

  • Teach handwashing and wound care → promotes recovery.

Outcome: Wound heals with intact skin and no signs of infection.

Nursing Care Plan #2 – Acute Pain

Acute Pain related to tissue inflammation as evidenced by pain rating 8/10.

Interventions & Rationales:

  • Assess pain every 4 hours → ensures proper management.

  • Administer analgesics → controls discomfort.

  • Encourage limb elevation → reduces pressure.

  • Provide relaxation techniques → enhances comfort.

Outcome: Pain score reduced; patient verbalizes relief.

Nursing Care Plan #3 – Risk for Infection

Risk for Infection related to open wound and reduced immunity.

Interventions & Rationales:

  • Hand hygiene before/after wound care → reduces transmission.

  • Monitor vital signs and WBC → detects systemic infection.

  • Administer antibiotics as prescribed → eliminates bacteria.

  • Educate on completing full antibiotic course → prevents recurrence.

Outcome: No fever or new infection noted.

Nursing Care Plan #4 – Deficient Knowledge

Deficient Knowledge related to lack of understanding about cellulitis prevention.

Interventions & Rationales:

  • Teach causes and risk factors → empowers patient.

  • Demonstrate wound care steps → ensures self-care.

  • Provide written discharge instructions → reinforces learning.

Outcome: Patient verbalizes infection prevention measures.

Study Tip 

💡 Study Smarter: Get the Medical-Surgical Study Guide to access 100+ printable nursing care plans and intervention cheat sheets.

FAQ

1. What is cellulitis in nursing care?
An infection of skin and subcutaneous tissue requiring antibiotics and wound care.

2. What are key nursing priorities?
Prevent infection spread, relieve pain, and restore skin integrity.

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