Which of the following is a warning sign that a wound may be infected requiring medical attention?

• A. Itching only
• B. Fever without swelling
• C. Increasing redness, swelling, warmth, pus, fever, or worsening pain
• D. No symptoms

Answer: (C)

Recognizing infection in a wound means noticing signs that bacteria may be taking hold and that medical care could be needed. Infected wounds usually show several clear indicators: increasing redness around the wound, swelling, warmth of the skin, the presence of pus, fever, and worsening pain. This combination signals that the body is fighting an infection and that more treatment may be required, potentially including antibiotics or other medical attention.

Itching by itself is more likely irritation or an allergic reaction, not infection. A fever without swelling might come from another illness or be unrelated to the wound, and no symptoms means there’s no obvious infection. If these infection signs appear, especially if they worsen or new fever arises, seek medical care.