Which symptom might indicate a potential infection in a patient with a fracture?

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A foul odor from the injured site is a significant indicator of potential infection in a patient with a fracture. The presence of an unpleasant smell can suggest the presence of necrotic tissue, which is often associated with infection or improper healing. Bacteria can produce characteristic odors, and when there is an open fracture or surgical site, this becomes a notable symptom to assess.

Infections can also be indicated by other symptoms such as fever, localized pain, tenderness, swelling, and increased warmth. However, the specific mention of foul odor is particularly concerning because it suggests that bacteria may be thriving in the area, possibly leading to more severe complications.

While increased mobility, bright redness at the fracture site, and localized temperature elevation only at the non-injured site might indicate other conditions or reactions, they are not as directly linked to infection as the presence of a foul odor. Increased mobility typically indicates a lack of immobilization or healing, bright redness might be a part of the normal inflammatory response, and localized temperature changes may occur for various reasons that do not necessarily imply infection.

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