Which is a cardinal sign of inflammation?

• A. Fever
• B. Loss of function
• C. Redness
• D. Itching

Answer: (B)

Inflammation produces local signs from vascular and cellular changes, and loss of function is a recognized cardinal sign because swelling and pain often limit movement at the affected area. The classic local signs include redness and warmth from increased blood flow, and swelling from fluid leakage, with pain signaling tissue irritation. Fever is a systemic response to immune mediators, not a local cardinal sign of inflammation, and itching is not a typical feature of the inflammatory response. So, loss of function stands out as one of the primary signs used to describe the local impact of inflammation.