Which signs indicate a postoperative complication requiring urgent evaluation?

• A. Sudden worsening pain, fever, chest pain, shortness of breath, abnormal drainage, wound redness or discharge, confusion
• B. Mild itching and fatigue
• C. Stable vitals with no symptoms
• D. Optional visits

Answer: (A)

After surgery, certain symptoms are red flags that suggest a potential complication and require urgent evaluation. Sudden worsening pain can signal bleeding, internal injury, or wound dehiscence. Fever may indicate infection or sepsis, which can deteriorate quickly if not treated. Chest pain and shortness of breath raise concern for cardiac events, pulmonary embolism, or pneumonia, all of which demand prompt assessment. Abnormal drainage or wound redness or discharge points to a possible wound infection or complication, while new confusion can reflect delirium, hypoxia, infection, or electrolyte imbalance. Because these issues can progress rapidly and threaten recovery or life, they warrant immediate contact with the surgical team or an urgent care/emergency visit. In contrast, mild itching and fatigue are common during healing, stable vitals with no symptoms suggest no current emergencies, and optional visits don’t address potential urgent problems. The emphasis is on recognizing these red flags early to get timely care.