What is one sign of infection in a patient?

One sign of infection in a patient is redness or warmth at the site of infection. This response occurs due to the body’s immune response to pathogens. When an infection is present, blood flow to the affected area increases as part of the inflammatory response, leading to increased warmth and redness. This local vasodilation is a critical mechanism that helps white blood cells access the site of infection to fight off the invaders.

In contrast, pallor of the skin may indicate reduced blood flow or anemia, which are not direct indicators of infection. Increased appetite is generally not associated with infection; often, patients may experience a decreased appetite during illness. A normal temperature can also be misleading, as many infections can occur without a fever, especially in certain populations such as the elderly or immunocompromised individuals, making it less reliable as a sign of infection.