Which of the following is NOT considered a sign of infection?

Nausea is not considered a direct sign of infection in the context of localized symptoms. When evaluating a potential infection, clinicians typically look for local signs such as heat, redness, and worsening pain, which all indicate inflammation and a response by the body to combat infection at the site. Heat can result from increased blood flow to an area, redness signifies increased vascular activity, and worsening pain can reflect tissue irritation or damage, all of which are classic manifestations of an inflammatory process commonly associated with infections.

Nausea, on the other hand, can stem from various causes, including gastrointestinal issues, systemic infections, or stress, but isn't a localized symptom of infection. It reflects a broader systemic response and is not exclusive to an infectious process, making it an unreliable indicator when assessing for localized infection signs. Understanding this distinction helps in focusing on the more relevant signs that indicate localized inflammation or infection.