Which of the following is a red flag indicating a wound not healing requires medical evaluation?

• A. Increased pain
• B. Itching at the wound edge
• C. Slight odorless drainage
• D. Mild tenderness decreasing

Answer: (A)

When evaluating a wound, watch for changes that indicate something may be wrong and medical evaluation is needed. A key warning sign is when pain increases rather than improving as healing progresses. Rising pain can signal infection, tissue damage, or the wound failing to heal properly, and it prompts clinician assessment to prevent complications.

In contrast, itching at the wound edge can occur during healing and irritation but isn’t itself a red flag for not healing. Slight odorless drainage is common in the early healing phase and isn’t a definite sign of trouble. Mild tenderness that lessens over time is a positive sign, indicating the wound is healing rather than deteriorating.