What is the most indicative sign of wound infection?

What is the most indicative sign of wound infection?

• A. Red, warm, tender incision with pain
• B. Fever and night sweats
• C. White, non-tender scar tissue around wound
• D. Itchy sensation only

Answer: (A)

Early wound infection is most clearly indicated by local inflammatory changes at the incision. Redness, warmth, tenderness, and pain at the wound site reflect increased blood flow, edema, and irritation from bacterial invasion, making this combination the strongest sign that the wound itself is infected. Fever and night sweats can occur with infection but are systemic and less specific to the wound. White, non-tender scar tissue suggests healing without infection, and itching alone is not an infection indicator.

Early wound infection is most clearly indicated by local inflammatory changes at the incision. Redness, warmth, tenderness, and pain at the wound site reflect increased blood flow, edema, and irritation from bacterial invasion, making this combination the strongest sign that the wound itself is infected. Fever and night sweats can occur with infection but are systemic and less specific to the wound. White, non-tender scar tissue suggests healing without infection, and itching alone is not an infection indicator.