Which of the following are signs of infection that a CNA should monitor for?

Recognizing the signs of infection is crucial in providing effective care, and one of the primary indicators includes physical changes in the body. The signs that should be monitored closely are redness, swelling, warmth, discharge, and fever. These symptoms indicate that the body is responding to an infection—redness and warmth often result from increased blood flow to the area needing healing, while swelling can occur due to inflammation. Discharge may indicate the presence of pus or other fluids produced in response to an infection. Fever is a systemic response that can indicate the presence of infection, as the body raises its temperature to help fight off pathogens.

The other options describe changes that are either nonspecific or typically associated with being unwell but do not directly point to an infection. For instance, changes in appetite and sleep patterns could be due to many factors and are not specific indicators of infection. Increased energy and improved mood would suggest wellness rather than illness. Lastly, while frequent coughing and sneezing could imply respiratory issues, they don’t encompass the broader range of signs indicative of infection across various body systems. Therefore, option B encompasses the specific and clear signs of infection that a CNA should be vigilant about monitoring.