What is a sign of potential wound infection?

A sign of potential wound infection is indeed indicated by redness beyond the line of incision. This occurs because, in cases of infection, the body responds with inflammation. Inflammation typically manifests as redness, heat, swelling, and pain in the area surrounding the wound. If the redness extends beyond the incision line, it suggests that the infection may be spreading or that the body is reacting vigorously to the presence of pathogens.

The other options do not align with the typical signs of infection. If the incision feels cold to the touch, this may indicate poor circulation rather than infection. Decreased pain at the site is not commonly associated with an infection; in fact, pain often increases as an infection develops. Lastly, the absence of drainage is usually seen in a healthy, healing wound. In infected wounds, one would expect to see some form of drainage, often purulent (pus) in nature. Thus, the presence of redness extending beyond the incision clearly signals potential infection, making it the correct choice.