Could this diagnosis work?

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Pt has cellulitis so already has infection. My instructor suggested focusing my care plan on infection. I definitely have interventions; however, I'm worried my diagnosis won't cut it.

Do you think I can use "Risk of systemic infection r/t cellulitis"? My concern lies with adding systemic because that is not on the NANDA list.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, OB/GYN, ER, Geriatrics.

I would stick with at risk for infection r/t cellulitis and go from there.

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Specializes in Perinatal, Education.

If she already has cellulitis, then she is no longer at risk for and actually has an infection.

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My frustration is that the only care I can give is for infection and I have all my interventions/rationales listed. Labeling it was the issue. Just dawned on me as I was typing that I should look at wound care diagnoses. Impaired tissue integrity would work, even without an actual open wound. Right?

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Specializes in med/surg, telemetry, IV therapy, mgmt.

Impaired Tissue Integrity is generally used for patients with cellulitis. Also, when there is infection present the diagnosis that can be used is Ineffective Protection R/T microbial invasion of tissues AEB elevated WBC and other signs and symptoms of the infection.

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