Which sign is a red flag indicating a wound is not healing and requires medical evaluation?

Which sign is a red flag indicating a wound is not healing and requires medical evaluation?

• A. Fever
• B. Decreased pain
• C. Wound edges fully closed
• D. No drainage

Answer: (A)

Fever signals a possible infection that is affecting wound healing. When a wound isn’t healing, a fever suggests the infection may be systemic rather than just local, which can slow healing and raise the risk of complications. In contrast, signs like decreasing pain, wound edges that are closed, and little to no drainage are typical of healing. So a fever stands out as a warning sign that medical evaluation is needed to assess for infection and determine appropriate treatment. If fever accompanies redness, swelling, warmth, increasing pain, or foul drainage, seek care promptly.

Fever signals a possible infection that is affecting wound healing. When a wound isn’t healing, a fever suggests the infection may be systemic rather than just local, which can slow healing and raise the risk of complications. In contrast, signs like decreasing pain, wound edges that are closed, and little to no drainage are typical of healing. So a fever stands out as a warning sign that medical evaluation is needed to assess for infection and determine appropriate treatment. If fever accompanies redness, swelling, warmth, increasing pain, or foul drainage, seek care promptly.