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What clinical sign is most commonly associated with a wound infection?

  1. Erythema and edema

  2. Dryness and peeling

  3. Bruising and discoloration

  4. Necrosis and necrotic tissue

The correct answer is: Erythema and edema

Erythema and edema are classic clinical signs associated with wound infections. Erythema refers to redness of the skin that occurs when blood vessels in the area dilate in response to infection, allowing increased blood flow to the site as part of the inflammatory response. Edema, or swelling, results from the accumulation of fluid in the tissues as the body's immune system responds to the infection. Together, these signs indicate inflammation, which is commonly present in infections. In contrast, dryness and peeling may not necessarily indicate an infection and can be observed in other skin conditions. Bruising and discoloration might suggest trauma rather than infection, while necrosis and necrotic tissue indicate severe tissue damage and possibly a chronic condition rather than the acute signs typically associated with infection. Thus, recognizing erythema and edema as common indicators helps in identifying and managing wound infections effectively.