NVS Staff Nurse - 2019
Pathology & Genetics
Easy
The four cardinal signs of inflammation are?
Appeared in: NVS Staff Nurse - 2019
Explanation
- The correct option includes the four classic cardinal signs of inflammation: pain, heat, redness, and swelling.
- These signs were first described by Celsus in the 1st century A.D.
- Redness (rubor) and heat (calor) are due to increased blood flow (vasodilation) to the injured area.
- Swelling (tumor) is caused by the accumulation of fluid in the tissues due to increased vascular permeability.
- Pain (dolor) results from the pressure of swelling on nerve endings and the release of chemical mediators.
- A fifth sign, loss of function (functio laesa), was added later by Galen.
Why Other Options Were Wrong
- Option A: The term 'discomfort' is too general and not the specific cardinal sign. The correct term is 'pain' (dolor), which is a more intense and defining feature of the inflammatory response.
- Option B: This option contains two incorrect signs. 'Coldness' is the opposite of the heat (calor) that occurs due to increased blood flow. 'Pus formation' (suppuration) is a feature of a specific type of inflammation (e.g., bacterial infection) and not a universal cardinal sign.
- Option D: This option includes 'paleness' and 'cold,' which are signs of decreased blood flow (vasoconstriction or ischemia). Inflammation is characterized by increased blood flow, leading to redness and heat.
Related Visual
Clinical Relevance
- Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain The four cardinal signs of inflammation as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
- Nurses constantly assess for the cardinal signs of inflammation to identify, monitor, and manage conditions like infections, injuries, and post-operative complications.
- Recognizing these signs is crucial for early intervention. For example, redness and warmth around an IV site can indicate phlebitis, requiring removal of the catheter.
- Documentation should be specific: instead of 'looks inflamed,' a nurse should document 'area 2 cm in diameter on the left forearm is red, warm to touch, swollen, and tender (patient rates pain 4/10).'.
How to Approach the Question
- This is a factual recall question that tests foundational knowledge in pathology.
- First, identify the core concept: 'four cardinal signs of inflammation'.
- Recall the classic signs: redness, heat, swelling, and pain. It can be helpful to remember their Latin names: rubor, calor, tumor, and dolor.
- Systematically evaluate each option against this list.
- Eliminate Option B and D because they include 'coldness' and/or 'paleness,' which are opposite to the signs of inflammation.
- Compare Option A and C. Option A uses 'discomfort,' while Option C uses 'pain.' 'Pain' (dolor) is the classic, specific term, making Option C the most accurate choice.
Concept Tested & Keywords
- Concept Tested: The four cardinal signs of inflammation.
- Stem keywords: four cardinal signs, inflammation
- Lead-in keywords: are
- Negative lead-in flag: false
Question ID
Q4p_veyKv2ElR49m6bFgbu
Reference Book
E6 Pathology-Textbook of PATHOLOGYHarsh Mohan Part 1 (1-214) p. 91-93
E6 PATHOLOGY QUICK REVIEWBased on Harsh Mohan Textbook of PATHOLOGY p. 31-33
E6 Nursing Fundamentals Potter Perry 12e Part 2 p. 220-222
Practise the full NVS Staff Nurse - 2019
Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.
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