When caring for a client with cellulitis, what is a primary concern for the nurse?

When caring for a client with cellulitis, ensuring hydration status is a primary concern for the nurse because cellulitis is often associated with systemic inflammation and can lead to increased metabolic demands on the body. The inflammatory process can result in fluid loss, particularly if the patient has fever or increased perspiration. Maintaining adequate hydration is essential for supporting the immune response, aiding in the healing process, and preventing complications such as renal impairment or hypotension.

It is also important to note that while monitoring blood pressure, assessing skin turgor, and evaluating respirations are relevant aspects of a comprehensive assessment, they serve secondary roles in the management of cellulitis compared to addressing hydration status. Blood pressure may fluctuate due to the body's response to infection, skin turgor may indicate hydration but is not as direct an indicator as fluid intake/output measurements, and respiratory evaluation is less related to the primary concerns posed by cellulitis. Thus, the emphasis on hydration underscores its crucial role in the care of a client with cellulitis.