Which of the following is a sign of an infected vascular access?

• A. numbness and tingling
• B. fever and swelling
• C. redness and warmth
• D. tenderness and drainage

Answer: (C)

Redness and warmth around the vascular access signal a localized infection. When the body fights pathogens at the access site, blood vessels dilate and blood flow increases to bring immune cells to the area. That inflammatory response causes both visible redness and a feeling of warmth. These signs are direct indicators of localized infection at the site.

Numbness and tingling aren’t infection signs, and fever is a systemic response that may occur if the infection spreads, not a localized clue. Swelling can accompany various issues, and drainage can occur with infection but redness and warmth specifically reflect the active inflammatory process at the access site, making them the most reliable single sign among the options.