Which findings suggest an infection?

• A. Elevated white blood cell count, fever, pain, warmth or redness.
• B. Low WBC count and hypothermia.
• C. Normal vital signs with no symptoms.
• D. Hypertension.

Answer: (A)

Infection triggers both systemic and local inflammatory responses. An elevated white blood cell count shows the immune system is actively responding to an invading organism. Fever indicates the body’s thermostat has been raised by pyrogens in response to infection. Local signs like pain, warmth, and redness reflect inflammation in the affected tissue from increased blood flow and immune activity. When these findings occur together, they most strongly indicate an infectious process.

Low WBC count with hypothermia can occur in some infections, especially in immunocompromised individuals, but it’s not the classic sign. Normal vital signs with no symptoms don’t point to infection, and hypertension isn’t related to infection.