How many cardinal signs and symptoms of injury are listed?

How many cardinal signs and symptoms of injury are listed?

• A. Four
• B. Five
• C. Six
• D. Seven

Answer: (B)

The idea being tested is the number of classic inflammatory signs that appear after injury. The standard list includes five cardinal signs: redness, heat, swelling, pain, and loss of function. Redness and warmth come from increased blood flow to the injured area; swelling results from fluid and immune cells leaking into the tissues; pain is produced by chemical mediators sensitizing nerves and by tissue stretch; and loss of function arises because swelling and pain limit movement and use of the affected area. Because these five signs are traditionally cited together, the correct count is five. Counts of four, six, or seven don’t align with this established set.

The idea being tested is the number of classic inflammatory signs that appear after injury. The standard list includes five cardinal signs: redness, heat, swelling, pain, and loss of function. Redness and warmth come from increased blood flow to the injured area; swelling results from fluid and immune cells leaking into the tissues; pain is produced by chemical mediators sensitizing nerves and by tissue stretch; and loss of function arises because swelling and pain limit movement and use of the affected area. Because these five signs are traditionally cited together, the correct count is five. Counts of four, six, or seven don’t align with this established set.