Which sign indicates a wound infection after cesarean birth?

• A. Severe diarrhea
• B. Normal blood pressure
• C. Shortness of breath during feeding
• D. Redness around the incision

Answer: (D)

Redness around the incision signals a local wound infection after cesarean birth. When an infection develops at a surgical site, the body sends more blood to the area, causing warmth, redness, and swelling, and it may progress to drainage or fever. After a cesarean, a red, warm, tender spot with possible drainage around the incision is a key warning sign that the wound is not healing normally and needs medical evaluation promptly. Mild redness can occur with healing, but if it spreads or is accompanied by increasing warmth, pain, drainage, or fever, it indicates infection rather than a normal recovery. The other signs listed don’t reflect a wound infection: severe diarrhea points to a gastrointestinal issue, normal blood pressure just shows stable circulation, and shortness of breath during feeding suggests a respiratory or other non-wound problem. If redness is noticed, keep the area clean and dry, monitor for worsening drainage or fever, and seek care if symptoms worsen or don’t improve.