What is a typical sign of an infection in a wound?

Increased warmth is a typical sign of an infection in a wound because the body's immune response to bacteria or pathogens involves increasing blood flow to the affected area. This response leads to a rise in temperature around the wound, as the body sends white blood cells and other immune substances to fight off the infection. This localized warmth is often accompanied by other signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, and sometimes pain, demonstrating that the body is reacting to the infection. Recognizing these signs is crucial for timely intervention and treatment of potential infections.

The other options do not align with the typical signs of infection. For example, decreased swelling might suggest a healing process rather than the presence of an infection. Pale coloration could indicate poor circulation or lack of blood flow rather than an active infection. Continuous bleeding is an indication of an open wound or a serious injury, but it doesn't necessarily correlate with infection. In contrast, increased warmth serves as a clear indicator of infection that caregivers should monitor closely.