Which symptom might suggest the presence of infection in a wound?

The presence of redness and warmth around a wound is a classic indicator of infection. Inflammatory responses occur when the body is fighting off pathogens, leading to increased blood flow to the area, which manifests as warmth and redness. These symptoms indicate that the immune system is active, potentially in response to bacteria or other infectious agents in or around the wound. This inflammatory response is essential for healing, but when it is excessive or persistent, it may signal an underlying infection that requires further assessment and intervention.

In contrast, increased granulation tissue is typically a sign of healing and tissue repair, not infection. Serous drainage is a normal type of fluid that may be present in a wound and is not necessarily indicative of infection. Crisp edges of the wound suggest proper healing and closure, which is generally a positive sign. Therefore, these other options do not indicate infection, reinforcing that redness and warmth around the wound are key symptoms to monitor for signs of infection.