A nurse assesses a patient for the classic signs of acute inflammation. Which signs and symptoms would the nurse observe in a patient experiencing acute inflammation?

Choice A rationale The five cardinal signs of acute inflammation, stemming from the initial vascular and cellular responses, include redness (rubor), swelling (tumor), heat (calor), pain (dolor), and loss of function (functio laesa). Redness and heat are caused by vasodilation, swelling by increased vascular permeability, and pain by chemical mediators stimulating nerve endings. Choice B rationale Pain and edema (swelling) are correct signs, but pulselessness is a sign of arterial occlusion or profound hypoperfusion (ischemia), not a classic or inherent sign of the inflammatory process itself. Inflammation typically involves increased blood flow, not its cessation. Choice C rationale Redness is correct. Paresthesias (abnormal sensation like tingling or numbness) are indicative of nerve damage or compression, and coolness is a sign of vasoconstriction or impaired blood flow, which is contrary to the vasodilation that defines the acute inflammatory response. Choice D rationale Heat and swelling are correct, but cyanosis (bluish discoloration) is caused by the presence of deoxygenated blood and is a sign of hypoxia or impaired venous return (stasis), not typically a direct feature of the initial acute inflammatory response, which is characterized by increased blood flow (hyperemia).