A nurse is caring for a 15-year-old adolescent who has cellulitis of the left lower calf. Exhibits The nurse is assessing the adolescent 24 hr after the initial visit. How should the nurse interpret the findings? For each finding, click to specify whether the finding is an indication of potential improvement or an indication of potential worsening condition. There must be at least 1 selection in every row. There does not need to be a selection in every column.

Rationale: • Weight-bearing ability on the affected leg: The adolescent was able to ambulate in the hall twice with good tolerance, which suggests improved mobility despite persistent tenderness. This indicates that pain and function are gradually improving. • Temperature: The fever decreased from 38.8°C on Day 1 to 37.6°C on Day 2, showing resolution of the systemic response to infection. This suggests the antibiotic therapy is beginning to take effect. • WBC count: The count rose from 14,000/mm³ to 15,000/mm³ in 24 hours, which reflects a persistent or worsening inflammatory and infectious process. This indicates the infection may not yet be under control. • Wound assessment: The indurated area on the calf decreased in size from 6 x 6 cm on Day 1 to 5 x 5 cm on Day 2. A decrease in the size of the inflamed area indicates that the cellulitis is responding to treatment and resolving.