Which sign indicates a worsening infection at a surgical site requiring urgent evaluation?

Which sign indicates a worsening infection at a surgical site requiring urgent evaluation?

• A. Increased swelling
• B. Elevation of surrounding skin temperature
• C. Redness and induration
• D. Fever greater than 100.4° F

Answer: (D)

A fever greater than 100.4°F is a significant indicator of a worsening infection, especially in the context of a surgical site. This elevated temperature suggests that the body is responding to an infection, as fever is a common systemic response to infection or inflammation. In post-surgical patients, a fever can be one of the earliest and most reliable signs of complications such as infection, which often requires prompt evaluation and intervention. While increased swelling, elevation of surrounding skin temperature, and redness with induration are also concerning signs and may indicate localized infection, they can sometimes occur without systemic involvement. A fever, particularly when above the threshold of 100.4°F, is more universally accepted as a signal that the infection may be severe enough to potentially affect the entire body, prompting urgent medical evaluation. This systemic sign can indicate that an infection is not contained and may be spreading, warranting immediate attention.

A fever greater than 100.4°F is a significant indicator of a worsening infection, especially in the context of a surgical site. This elevated temperature suggests that the body is responding to an infection, as fever is a common systemic response to infection or inflammation. In post-surgical patients, a fever can be one of the earliest and most reliable signs of complications such as infection, which often requires prompt evaluation and intervention.

While increased swelling, elevation of surrounding skin temperature, and redness with induration are also concerning signs and may indicate localized infection, they can sometimes occur without systemic involvement. A fever, particularly when above the threshold of 100.4°F, is more universally accepted as a signal that the infection may be severe enough to potentially affect the entire body, prompting urgent medical evaluation. This systemic sign can indicate that an infection is not contained and may be spreading, warranting immediate attention.