Which finding indicates possible wound infection?

Which finding indicates possible wound infection?

• A. Decreased edema
• B. Normal temperature
• C. Increased erythema
• D. Decreased pain

Answer: (C)

Infection at a wound site typically triggers an inflammatory response that often shows up as redness around the wound. This increased erythema reflects greater blood flow and vasodilation as the body fights infection. It’s a direct sign of localized inflammation and potential infection, especially if the redness spreads, becomes warmer, or is accompanied by swelling or drainage. The other statements don’t point to infection as clearly: decreased swelling would argue against infection, a normal temperature doesn’t rule out a localized wound infection, and decreased pain is not typical—infection usually makes pain worse due to inflammation.

Infection at a wound site typically triggers an inflammatory response that often shows up as redness around the wound. This increased erythema reflects greater blood flow and vasodilation as the body fights infection. It’s a direct sign of localized inflammation and potential infection, especially if the redness spreads, becomes warmer, or is accompanied by swelling or drainage. The other statements don’t point to infection as clearly: decreased swelling would argue against infection, a normal temperature doesn’t rule out a localized wound infection, and decreased pain is not typical—infection usually makes pain worse due to inflammation.