You are discharging a 4-year-old boy from the emergency department. The boy was seen for an insect bite that became swollen and reddened and warm and painful to touch. The patients vital signs are all within normal range for age. While giving discharge instructions to the patients father, he asks why the child is not going to get antibiotics for the infected insect bite. What would be your best response?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Regardless of the cause, a general sequence of events occurs in the local inflammatory response. This sequence involves changes in the microcirculation, including vasodilation, increased vascular permeability, and leukocytic cellular infiltration. As these changes take place, five cardinal signs of inflammation are produced: redness, heat, swelling, pain, and loss of function. Infections do not always resolve spontaneously. The nurse should teach the patients father about the reasons that antibiotics are unnecessary rather than simply deferring to the physician.

You Are Discharging a 4-Year-Old Boy from the Emergency Department