Which of the following symptoms may indicate the need for further intervention in a soft-tissue injury?

The presence of pus or an unpleasant odor from a wound is a significant indicator that the injury may be infected. Infections in soft-tissue injuries can lead to more serious complications if not addressed promptly. Signs of an infection typically include increased redness, warmth, swelling, and the production of pus, which is a result of the body's immune response to bacteria. An unpleasant odor often suggests the presence of necrotic tissue or bacterial growth, thereby signaling the need for further assessment by a healthcare professional to consider treatment options such as antibiotics or surgical intervention.

Localized redness, minor swelling, and a stinging sensation can be common responses to a soft-tissue injury and may not necessarily indicate a serious underlying issue. While these symptoms can be monitored, they do not, by themselves, typically warrant immediate further intervention as an infection would.