Which statement best describes a post-removal warning sign that should prompt contacting a physician?

• A. Dizziness and pain
• B. Redness and swelling
• C. Nausea and vomiting
• D. Redness and pain

Answer: (D)

The key idea is recognizing wound-site signals that mean something may be going wrong after removing a chest tube. Redness at the incision plus pain suggests an active inflammatory process at the site, which can indicate infection or wound healing problems. When redness is accompanied by pain, these symptoms together are a clearer warning sign that a physician should evaluate the area to rule out complications like infection or tissue damage.

Dizziness with pain isn’t a local wound sign and could point to systemic issues that aren’t specific to the chest-tube site. Nausea and vomiting likewise aren’t direct indicators of a wound complication. Redness with swelling can be concerning, but the combination of redness with pain more strongly signals a problem at the site that warrants prompt medical advice. If these signs appear, contact a clinician promptly.