Which condition is a client likely to have if they report knee pain that is swollen, reddened, and warm to the touch?

When a client reports knee pain accompanied by swelling, redness, and warmth, it suggests an inflammatory process occurring in the joint. This combination of symptoms provides critical clues about the underlying condition.

Infection is characterized by similar signs, such as swelling, redness, and warmth, due to the body’s immune response to pathogens. A joint infected with bacteria (like septic arthritis) commonly presents with these symptoms, indicating inflammation and the potential presence of pus.

A recent injury could also lead to similar signs. Traumas such as sprains, fractures, or tears can cause localized swelling, increased warmth, and redness due to the body's inflammatory response to the injury.

Inflammation itself is a broad term that encompasses various conditions. It indicates the body's defensive reaction to any harmful stimuli, including infection and injury, leading to symptoms such as those described.

Given that all three conditions—infection, recent injury, and inflammation—can produce the symptoms of knee pain along with swelling, redness, and warmth, it makes sense that all of them are valid possibilities in this scenario. Therefore, the best answer acknowledges that each condition can explain the symptoms observed, supporting the conclusion that the client may indeed be experiencing any combination of these issues.