A nurse is changing the dressing on a client's wound. The nurse should recognize that which of the following findings is an indication of a wound infection?

A. Crusting can occur naturally during the healing process as a protective barrier over new granulation tissue. This is a normal physiological response and does not, by itself, indicate infection. Nurses should observe whether the tissue underneath is healthy (pink, moist, and beefy) rather than relying solely on the presence of crust. B. Urticaria (hives) is a systemic allergic reaction that can result from medications, foods, or other allergens. It is not a localized sign of wound infection and does not provide direct information about the status of a wound. C. Petechiae are tiny, pinpoint hemorrhages in the skin caused by vascular fragility or platelet disorders, such as thrombocytopenia. They are not associated with localized wound infections and would not be expected around a healing wound. D. Edema, or swelling around a wound, is a key clinical sign of infection, particularly when combined with erythema (redness), warmth, pain, and purulent drainage. Infection triggers an inflammatory response, causing increased vascular permeability and fluid accumulation in the tissue surrounding the wound. This swelling may also indicate impaired circulation or lymphatic obstruction secondary to infection. Nurses should carefully assess the extent and progression of edema to guide timely interventions, including wound cultures, antibiotic therapy, and possible changes in wound care technique.