Which of the following would be a sign of infection in a patient?

Fever, increased heart rate, redness, and swelling are classic signs of infection in a patient. When the body detects the presence of pathogens, such as bacteria or viruses, it initiates an immune response, leading to these symptoms. Fever is a common systemic response that helps to create an unfavorable environment for pathogens while increasing the efficiency of immune cells. An increased heart rate can occur as the body works harder to circulate immune cells and manage the increased metabolic demands during an infection. Redness and swelling are localized responses that occur due to increased blood flow and fluid accumulation in the affected area, signaling the body’s efforts to fight underlying infections.

In contrast, stable vital signs and resting comfortably without complaints generally indicate that the body is not under stress or fighting off an infection. Weight loss can be a long-term consequence of chronic infections or underlying diseases, but it is not an immediate sign of infection.