When should a healthcare provider be notified after assessing a wound?

The correct choice highlights the critical moments when a healthcare provider should be alerted following an assessment of a wound. Notifying a provider when there are signs of infection or increased pain is essential because these indicators can signify a complication that requires timely medical intervention. Signs of infection may include increased redness, swelling, warmth, or discharge from the wound, while increased pain can suggest that the wound is not healing as expected or that there may be further underlying issues. Addressing these concerns promptly can prevent more severe complications, including the potential for systemic infections or delayed healing.

In contrast, notifying the healthcare provider when there are no changes in the wound, only during routine check-ups, or when a wound has healed does not reflect the proactive approach required in wound management. Observations about stability or healing are important, but they generally do not warrant immediate provider involvement unless they are accompanied by concerning symptoms.