Which of the following describes a sign of surgical site infection?

Localized swelling and warmth are key indicators of a surgical site infection. When an infection occurs, the body's immune response triggers inflammation, which often results in swelling and an increase in local temperature at the site of the incision. These signs indicate that the area is responding to the infection, as blood flow increases to bring immune cells to fight off the invading pathogens.

Increased mobility of the limb may not be a clear sign of an infection and could indicate various other conditions. A consistent healthy incision appearance would suggest there is no infection present, as healthy incisions typically show no signs of redness, swelling, or other abnormalities. Normal body temperature generally indicates the absence of systemic infection; fevers are often associated with infections. Therefore, observing localized swelling and warmth is critical for identifying potential surgical site infections early and ensuring appropriate treatment.