Final answer:
Signs of a wound infection include inflammation with redness, swelling, and warmth; pus or purulent discharge; and fever as a systemic response. Identifying and treating infections early is important for preventing serious complications.
Step-by-step explanation:
Three possible signs of wound infection are:
Inflammation: This manifests as redness, warmth, and swelling around the wound site. The body increases blood flow to the affected area, resulting in these symptoms.
Pus or purulent discharge: The presence of thick, often yellowish or greenish liquid oozing from the wound suggests an accumulation of dead white blood cells and bacteria, indicative of an infection.
Fever: A systemic sign that the body is fighting an infection, which may accompany a wound that has become infected.
These signs suggest that the body is mounting a defensive response against pathogens. Identification and treatment of wound infections are crucial to prevent serious complications such as rapidly spreading myonecrosis, septic shock, and even death.