Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist (COMT) Practice Exam

Which symptom is NOT typically associated with inflammation?

1. Redness

2. Swelling

3. Chills

4. Heat

The correct answer is: Chills

In the context of inflammation, the typical symptoms include redness, swelling, heat, and sometimes pain. These responses are part of the body's immune response to injuries or infections, aiming to protect and initiate healing in the affected area. Redness occurs due to increased blood flow to the inflamed area, while swelling results from the accumulation of fluid and immune cells. Heat is also a consequence of increased blood flow, as the warm blood from the body's core encounters the cooler external environment. Chills, on the other hand, are generally associated with systemic responses to infection or fevers, rather than localized inflammation. While chills can accompany an infection that may induce inflammation, they are not a direct symptom of inflammation itself. Therefore, among the given options, chills is not typically linked to the hallmark signs of inflammation.