Which of the following is not a sign of infection?
Select one:
a. Blister
b. Heat
c. Redness
d. Swelling
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is a. Blister.
Explanation:
Infections are typically marked by a set of specific signs, known as the classic symptoms of inflammation, which are heat, redness, and swelling. These are part of the body’s natural immune response to harmful pathogens, such as bacteria or viruses.
- Heat: This is a common sign of infection because the body increases blood flow to the affected area in order to bring immune cells to fight off the infection. The increased blood flow causes the area to feel warm or hot.
- Redness: The blood vessels dilate in response to infection, increasing blood flow to the infected area. This causes the area to become red, which is another characteristic of inflammation.
- Swelling: When the body detects an infection, it sends fluid and immune cells to the site to combat the pathogens. This leads to the accumulation of fluids in the tissues, resulting in swelling or edema in the affected area.
However, a blister is not necessarily a sign of infection. While blisters can occur as a result of an infection, they are also commonly caused by friction, burns, or allergic reactions. A blister is essentially a fluid-filled pocket that forms under the skin, typically as a protective mechanism to cushion damaged tissue. The presence of a blister alone doesn’t indicate infection unless there are other signs, such as pus, increased warmth, redness, or pain.
In summary, while heat, redness, and swelling are classic indicators of infection due to the body’s inflammatory response, a blister is more often a symptom of other causes, not infection in and of itself. Therefore, the correct answer is blister.