What are common signs of infection that a nurse should monitor?

The correct answer includes common physiological signs that indicate the presence of an infection. Fever, redness, swelling, warmth, and purulent drainage are classic symptoms that arise in response to an infection. Fever is a systemic response, elevating the body temperature to help fight off pathogens. Redness and swelling occur due to increased blood flow and inflammatory responses at the site of infection. Warmth at the infection site is due to the increased metabolic activity in the tissues, and purulent drainage indicates the presence of pus, which typically contains dead bacteria, white blood cells, and tissue debris. Together, these signs help a nurse assess the patient's condition and determine the need for further medical intervention. It is critical for nurses to recognize these indicators in order to provide timely and appropriate care to patients.

While sneezing and coughing may suggest respiratory infections, they are not specific signs of infection and can occur with non-infectious processes as well. Fatigue and loss of appetite can be associated with many conditions, including infections, but they are less specific and could arise from various other health issues. Emotional changes and isolation could reflect the psychosocial impact of illness but do not directly indicate physical signs of infection. Therefore, the detailed physiological signs of infection provided in the correct answer