Which of the following is a sign of inflammation according to the PRISH mnemonic?

• A. Pain
• B. Necrosis
• C. Fatigue
• D. Bruising

Answer: (A)

The correct choice, pain, is one of the classic signs of inflammation. The PRISH mnemonic stands for Pain, Redness, Immobility (or Loss of Function), Swelling, and Heat. These elements help healthcare professionals remember the typical physical manifestations of inflammation in response to injury or infection. Pain occurs due to the release of inflammatory mediators that sensitize nerve endings, signaling that there is tissue damage and an immune response underway. This serves as an important protective mechanism that prompts individuals to avoid using the injured area, thereby preventing further harm.

The other options do not directly correspond to the signs of inflammation as outlined in the mnemonic. Necrosis refers to cell death and is not a sign of the inflammatory response itself but rather a consequence that can result from unresolved inflammation. Fatigue is often a systemic response to various factors, including illness, but it does not specifically describe a local inflammatory reaction. Bruising, while it may occur due to inflammation caused by trauma, does not characterize inflammation directly within the PRISH framework.