Integumentary Disorders Q 26

---

A female client with cellulitis of the lower leg has had cultures done on the affected area. The nurse reading the culture report understands that which of the following organisms is not part of the normal flora of the skin?

  

    A. Staphylococcus epidermidis

    B. Staphylococcus aureus

    C. Escherichia coli (E. coli)

    D. Candida albicans

    

    

Correct Answer: C. Escherichia coli (E. coli)

---

E. coli normally is found in the intestines and constitutes a common source of infection of wounds and the urinary system. The other microbes listed are part of the normal flora of the skin.

---

Option A: Staphylococcus epidermidis is a major inhabitant of the skin, and in some areas it makes up more than 90 percent of the resident aerobic flora.

Option B: Staphylococcus aureus can be found in different body areas such as the skin, rectum, vagina, axilla, and nose.

Option D: Candida albicans is usually seen in warm, moist, creased areas such as the groin and armpits. most often it occurs in warm, moist, creased areas such as the armpits and groin.

---