Which signs indicate infection that should be reported promptly?

Which signs indicate infection that should be reported promptly?

• A. Fever, redness or swelling, drainage or foul odor, increased pain, fatigue, changes in mental status, decreased appetite.
• B. Mild headache and slight fatigue only.
• C. Occasional sneezing and runny nose.
• D. Normal vital signs and energy.

Answer: (C)

Recognizing infection early means looking for both local signs and general changes in how the person feels. Fever is a key signal, and when you see redness or swelling at a site, drainage or a foul odor, it suggests an infection in that area. Increased pain, fatigue, changes in mental status, and a decrease in appetite are systemic clues that the infection may be affecting the whole body or spreading. Because these signs can indicate a need for medical attention or treatment, they should be reported promptly to the supervising nurse. Milder, nonspecific symptoms like a mild headache with slight fatigue can happen for many reasons and don’t reliably point to an infection on their own. Occasional sneezing and a runny nose can be from allergies or a simple cold and, without other red flags, aren’t definitive for an infection needing immediate reporting. Normal vital signs and energy suggest there isn’t an active infection at that moment. If you notice fever, localized redness or swelling with drainage, foul odor, worsening pain, fatigue, mental status changes, or reduced appetite, report it quickly.

Recognizing infection early means looking for both local signs and general changes in how the person feels. Fever is a key signal, and when you see redness or swelling at a site, drainage or a foul odor, it suggests an infection in that area. Increased pain, fatigue, changes in mental status, and a decrease in appetite are systemic clues that the infection may be affecting the whole body or spreading. Because these signs can indicate a need for medical attention or treatment, they should be reported promptly to the supervising nurse.

Milder, nonspecific symptoms like a mild headache with slight fatigue can happen for many reasons and don’t reliably point to an infection on their own. Occasional sneezing and a runny nose can be from allergies or a simple cold and, without other red flags, aren’t definitive for an infection needing immediate reporting. Normal vital signs and energy suggest there isn’t an active infection at that moment.

If you notice fever, localized redness or swelling with drainage, foul odor, worsening pain, fatigue, mental status changes, or reduced appetite, report it quickly.