Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist (COMT) Practice Exam

What are the four classic signs of inflammation?

1. Pale complexion, swelling, increased heart rate, and heat

2. Redness, swelling, pain, and heat

3. Itching, pain, redness, and swelling

4. Swelling, increased heart rate, heat, and loss of function

The correct answer is: Redness, swelling, pain, and heat

The four classic signs of inflammation are redness, swelling, pain, and heat. Redness occurs due to the dilation of blood vessels and increased blood flow to the affected area. This influx of blood brings immune cells and nutrients necessary for the healing process. Swelling is the result of fluid and immune cells leaking into the tissue, which helps contain and fight off infection. Pain is often present due to the release of inflammatory mediators that irritate nerve endings and signal that something is wrong, encouraging the individual to protect the affected area. Heat is also due to increased blood flow, which raises the temperature of the inflamed area, further aiding the healing process by accelerating metabolic activity. The other options do not encompass the classic signs as accurately. While they may include some components associated with inflammation, they incorporate unrelated symptoms such as increased heart rate or pale complexion, which are not typical characteristics of inflammation itself. Understanding these classic signs is essential for recognizing inflammatory responses in clinical practice.