Redness, heat, swelling, and pain are signs of which process?

• A. Inflammation
• B. Fever
• C. Infection
• D. Bruising

Answer: (A)

Inflammation is the body's immediate, local response to tissue injury. The red, warm, swollen, and painful area comes from this process. Blood vessels in the area dilate to bring more blood, which causes redness and heat. The vessels also become more permeable, allowing fluid and proteins to seep into the tissue, leading to swelling. Chemicals released during inflammation, such as histamine and prostaglandins, sensitize nerves and contribute to the pain.

While fever is a systemic response and infection involves pathogens, the four signs listed are the classic local features of inflammation itself. Bruising relates to bleeding under the skin, not the inflammatory changes described here.