Which of the following is NOT one of the five cardinal signs of inflammation?

Which of the following is NOT one of the five cardinal signs of inflammation?

• A. Redness
• B. Heat
• C. Swelling
• D. Numbness

Answer: (D)

Inflammation shows five classic signs driven by changes in blood flow and tissue permeability: redness and heat come from increased blood flow to the area, swelling results from fluid leaking into tissues, pain is produced by chemical mediators irritating nerves, and loss of function can occur as swelling and pain limit use. Numbness is not a standard inflammatory sign; it reflects altered sensation or potential nerve involvement, not the vascular and chemical response characteristic of inflammation. So numbness is not one of the cardinal signs.

Inflammation shows five classic signs driven by changes in blood flow and tissue permeability: redness and heat come from increased blood flow to the area, swelling results from fluid leaking into tissues, pain is produced by chemical mediators irritating nerves, and loss of function can occur as swelling and pain limit use. Numbness is not a standard inflammatory sign; it reflects altered sensation or potential nerve involvement, not the vascular and chemical response characteristic of inflammation. So numbness is not one of the cardinal signs.