After 48 hours of IV antibiotics, which findings indicate effective treatment (SELECTT ALL THAT APPLY):

A. Blood pressure consistently around 100/65 mmHg: Maintaining stable blood pressure within age-appropriate limits indicates improved cardiovascular stability after septic stress. In cellulitis complicated by systemic involvement, hypotension reflects poor perfusion and potential early sepsis, so normalization demonstrates that IV antibiotics and supportive care are effective. B. Capillary refill 6 seconds: A capillary refill of 6 seconds indicates poor peripheral perfusion and ongoing circulatory insufficiency, suggesting that tissue perfusion is compromised. This is a sign that the infection may still be affecting the cardiovascular system, and the patient remains at risk for hypoperfusion and sepsis, signaling ineffective treatment. C. Improving fever curve: A decreasing temperature demonstrates resolution of systemic inflammatory response. Fever in cellulitis results from cytokine release and bacterial invasion; effective IV antibiotic therapy reduces bacterial load, dampens inflammation, and allows the hypothalamic thermoregulatory center to normalize, reflecting clinical improvement. D. Patient is alert and active: Restoration of normal mental status indicates improved oxygenation, perfusion, and systemic recovery. Lethargy and decreased responsiveness are warning signs of systemic infection or sepsis, so increased alertness shows the patient is responding well to treatment and that oxygen delivery to tissues and CNS function has improved. E. Erythema within lines of demarcation: Local containment of erythema indicates that the bacterial infection is no longer spreading in the subcutaneous tissue. Stabilization of inflammation within previously marked margins demonstrates that antibiotics are effectively controlling bacterial proliferation and the host immune response is adequately responding. F. Capillary refill <3 seconds: A capillary refill time of less than 3 seconds confirms adequate peripheral perfusion and improved circulatory status. As cellulitis resolves, inflammation and edema decrease, vascular resistance normalizes, and tissue perfusion improves, reflecting a positive response to both pharmacologic treatment and supportive measures. G. Erythema further passing margins of demarcation: Expansion of erythema beyond marked boundaries indicates that the infection is worsening, bacteria are continuing to invade surrounding tissues, and the current treatment regimen is insufficient, signaling a need for urgent reassessment and possible escalation of care.