Final answer:
The nurse should immediately follow up on signs of severe infection such as increased swelling, blistering with pus, skin discoloration to gray, and rapid progression of symptoms, which could indicate a life-threatening condition like necrotizing fasciitis.
Step-by-step explanation:
When assessing a client with a wound on the hand and associated cellulitis, the nurse must prioritize findings that indicate the possibility of a rapidly worsening infection or complications. In this case, the most immediate follow-up would be needed if the nurse observed signs such as increased swelling, rash development, blistering, especially with pus formation, or skin changes like discoloration to a grayish tone, which could suggest necrotizing fasciitis. A putrid smell, rapid progression, and gas pockets under the skin are red flags for severe infection that could be life-threatening and require immediate medical intervention.
Inflammation with symptoms such as redness, warmth, and swelling are typical and can be seen in the initial response to injury or infection; however, progression to pus formation and blistering indicates a more serious bacterial infection. Leukocytosis, or a high white blood cell count, is a typical response to infection, as the body is working to fight off the invading microorganisms.