What change might indicate a post-operative infection?

An increase in temperature or purulent drainage from the surgical site is a significant indicator of a potential post-operative infection. After surgery, it is normal for a patient to experience a slight increase in temperature due to the body’s inflammatory response. However, a marked increase in temperature, particularly when combined with other symptoms such as chills or tachycardia, can suggest an underlying infection. Purulent drainage, characterized by a thick, yellow, green, or brown fluid that often has a foul odor, directly indicates the presence of infection at the site of surgery.

Monitoring these symptoms is crucial in the post-operative period, as infections can lead to complications that may prolong recovery and require additional medical interventions. Recognizing these signs early allows for timely management, which is essential for patient outcomes.

The other options, while they might reflect a patient's overall condition, do not specifically correlate with infection. A decrease in appetite can occur for various reasons, including dietary changes or medications, and does not necessarily point to an infection. Improvement in mobility is a positive sign of recovery and does not indicate an infection. Lastly, regular bowel movements are generally a sign of normal gastrointestinal function and are not associated with infection following surgery.