Final answer:
When assessing a patient with cellulitis, the nurse would look for localized signs such as pain, which is one of the cardinal signs of inflammation specifically for the localized infection process.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nurse would assess a patient admitted with cellulitis for several localized signs of infection. One of the cardinal signs of inflammation specific to the localized infection process includes pain. This is a localized manifestation rather than systemic signs such as fever, chills, or malaise, which can be associated with infections but are not localized signs. While redness, swelling, and heat are also cardinal signs of localized inflammation, the question specifically asks for which one is a localized sign. Therefore, the correct answer to this question is A. pain.
It is essential to differentiate between localized and systemic signs when assessing for conditions like cellulitis. Localized signs are directly related to the affected area. Systemic signs, such as fever and malaise, indicate a more generalized response that may accompany, but are not localized signs of, the infection.