OSMT (Ontario Society of Medical Technologists) Practice Exam

What are symptoms of inflammation?

1. fever and pain

2. redness and swelling

3. fever swelling

4. heat and numbness

The correct answer is: redness and swelling

The choice identifying redness and swelling as symptoms of inflammation is correct because these are classic signs that indicate the body’s response to injury or infection. Inflammation is a biological process characterized by an increase in blood flow to the affected area, which results in the accumulation of immune cells and fluid. This process typically manifests as redness due to increased blood flow, swelling from the accumulation of fluids and immune components, and pain, often associated with the action of inflammatory mediators. Including fever as a symptom of inflammation is also common, but it is not as direct a manifestation as redness and swelling. The combination of warmth and pain (fever) indicates systemic effects rather than localized symptoms, while heat and numbness do not fully encapsulate the typical signs of inflammation. Numbness, for instance, is not a classic symptom of inflammation and can indicate other issues unrelated to the inflammatory process. This emphasizes the importance of recognizing the hallmark signs of inflammation for accurate assessment and treatment.