The patient, M, had surgery to fix the two broken bones in her ankle and was admitted to 5 West. I noticed after M complained of sensitivity and pain in the shin and lower leg opposite of affected leg. There was extreme redness and heat above the cast. I called the floor nurse who was great; she looked and said she would put in a call to the doctor. I believe she did. M began to whimper, which is not like her, but it was because of pain, so I headed to nurse's desk to ask for ice. The charge nurse, Kelli, intercepted me, asked how she could help and immediately got ice. She went with me to the patient's room and inspected her leg. She left saying she would contact the doctor. He was in the room, inspected leg and diagnosed Cellulitis. He ordered an antibiotic and it was hung within the hour! This is critical as M has chronic Cellulitis in her right leg and almost lost her leg and life due to it turning septic quickly several years ago! She also had a knee replacement in the current affected leg one year ago making it susceptible. Kelli came to check on M to comfort and calm her increased anxiety over the possibility that it could become septic repeatedly through the rest of the day. Kelli provided outside support M needed as my voice had become muted. Truly all the staff were fantastic.