Which sign may indicate an infected surgical wound?

• A. Salmon pink drainage
• B. Disorientation of the patient
• C. Erythema over the wound
• D. Pallor around the wound

Answer: (C)

Erythema, or redness, over the wound is a classic sign of inflammation and can indicate an infection. When a surgical wound becomes infected, the body's immune response is activated, leading to increased blood flow to the area. This increased blood flow causes the characteristic redness or erythema, often accompanied by warmth and swelling. It's important to identify erythema early, as it can help in diagnosing wound infections and determining the need for interventions, such as antibiotics or further surgical management.

Salmon pink drainage may sometimes be observed in healing wounds but does not necessarily indicate infection. Disorientation of the patient can be related to several conditions but is not a direct indicator of a wound infection. Pallor around the wound suggests poor perfusion or other complications but does not signify infection. Understanding these signs is crucial in post-operative care to ensure prompt identification and management of potential infections.