Which symptom would typically indicate an infected wound?

The presence of warmth and swelling around a wound is a classic indication of infection. When a wound becomes infected, the body's immune response activates, causing increased blood flow to the area. This results in the warmth felt upon touching the skin around the wound. Additionally, the accumulation of immune cells and fluids can lead to localized swelling. These symptoms are part of the inflammatory response, which helps to combat infection and heal the area. In contrast, improved mobility and reduced pain over time are generally signs of healing rather than infection. A change in skin color to a normal tone, especially if it refers to the area surrounding the wound, would not typically be associated with infection, as infected wounds can appear more red or purplish. Therefore, warmth and swelling are strong signs of an infected wound due to the body's natural inflammatory process.