Which signs would indicate a possible infection after wound care requiring medical evaluation?

• A. Redness increasing around the wound, warmth, swelling, or discharge.
• B. Wound becoming lighter in color.
• C. Immediate pain relief.
• D. Wound completely closed within hours.

Answer: (C)

Watch for signs that infection may be developing after wound care: redness that spreads around the wound, warmth in the surrounding skin, swelling, and any drainage or discharge from the wound. These indicate an inflammatory and infectious process that should be evaluated by a healthcare provider to prevent complications. The other options don’t signal infection: a wound that becomes lighter in color usually suggests healing progress; immediate pain relief does not align with infection and can mask problems; and a wound that closes quickly within hours isn’t by itself a reliable sign of infection and needs context with other symptoms. If any fever, worsening pain, or foul-smelling discharge occurs, seek medical attention promptly.