What are the signs of infection that a CNA should monitor for?

The signs of infection that a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) should monitor for include redness, swelling, and warmth around a specific area of the body. These three signs, known as the classic signs of inflammation, indicate that the body is responding to an infection or injury.

Redness occurs due to increased blood flow to the area as the body mobilizes its immune response. Swelling results from the accumulation of fluid and immune cells as they move to the site of infection. Warmth is also caused by increased blood circulation and the body's inflammatory response, which raises the temperature in the affected area to create an environment less conducive to the growth of pathogens.

While pain and fatigue are related to infections, they are not specific signs of localized infection and can be attributed to a variety of other conditions. Discharge can indicate infection but should be considered in context with other symptoms, and dizziness is generally not a primary indicator of localized infection. Focusing solely on redness and warmth omits the important aspects of swelling, which is critical for a complete assessment of potential infection. Thus, monitoring all three signs—redness, swelling, and warmth—provides a more comprehensive view of a patient's condition.