Which term lists the five cardinal signs and symptoms of injury?

• A. Redness, heat, swelling, pain, loss of function
• B. Redness, warmth, swelling, pain
• C. Pain, swelling, redness, fever
• D. Redness, heat, tenderness, loss of function

Answer: (A)

The main concept here is the five cardinal signs of inflammation that accompany tissue injury. Inflammation increases blood flow and vascular permeability, producing the characteristic signs: redness from more blood in the area, heat from increased blood flow, swelling from fluid leaking into tissues, pain from inflammatory mediators stimulating nerve endings, and loss of function as swelling and pain limit use of the affected area.

The best choice lists all five: redness, heat, swelling, pain, and loss of function. It aligns with the classic inflammatory response to injury. The other options miss or replace one of these signs—for example, one omits loss of function, another uses fever (a systemic sign) instead of a local sign, and another substitutes tenderness for swelling.