Which of the following is listed as a sign of wound infection?

• A. Heat
• B. Swelling
• C. Redness
• D. Pain with movement

Answer: (C)

Redness is a classic sign of wound infection because the inflammatory response increases blood flow to the area, bringing immune cells to fight microbes. This vasodilation makes the surrounding skin appear red and is a primary cue clinicians use when assessing for infection. While warmth and swelling can also occur with infection, and pain can accompany inflammation, redness is the most direct and consistently listed visible sign in wound assessments. Pain with movement is less specific to infection and more related to irritation or tissue strain.