Which of the following is NOT a sign or symptom of an infected vascular access?

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

Answer: (B)

Infections around a vascular access prompt inflammatory and systemic responses. You would expect fever, swelling around the site, redness and warmth over the access, tenderness to touch, and possibly drainage from the site. Numbness and tingling, on the other hand, are sensory/nerve-related findings, not signs of infection. They suggest nerve involvement or ischemic issues rather than inflammation or purulence. Therefore, numbness and tingling is the sign that does not indicate an infected vascular access.