Which step is part of caring for a patient with a postoperative fever to differentiate infection from noninfectious causes?

• A. Immediately Start Broad-Spectrum Antibiotics.
• B. Assess Clinical Signs, Review Medications, Wound Check, Obtain Cultures as Indicated.
• C. Do Nothing.
• D. Perform Imaging First.

Answer: (B)

Addressing a postoperative fever starts with a careful, systematic assessment to distinguish infection from noninfectious causes. The best approach is to evaluate the patient’s clinical signs and how their condition is evolving, review all medications for potential drug fever or reactions, perform a wound check for local infection or dehiscence, and obtain cultures as indicated to identify any infectious source. This targeted data collection guides management and helps avoid unnecessary antibiotic use if infection isn’t present. For example, fever in the early postoperative period can be noninfectious and related to inflammation or atelectasis, while persistent fever, new wound drainage, or systemic signs should prompt cultures and further evaluation. Imaging may be useful later if a localized source is suspected, but it isn’t the initial step to differentiate infectious from noninfectious causes.