Which pair correctly lists a common post-operative complication and its early warning signs?

Which pair correctly lists a common post-operative complication and its early warning signs?

• A. Infection: redness, fever, drainage; DVT/PE: swelling, chest pain, shortness of breath.
• B. Infection: fever only; DVT/PE: hoarseness.
• C. Infection: skin dryness; DVT/PE: increased appetite.
• D. Infection: swelling; DVT/PE: coughing.

Answer: (A)

Postoperative problems to watch for include infection at the surgical site and blood clots that can travel to the lungs. Infections typically show local wound changes such as redness and drainage, often along with fever. The first option lists redness, fever, and drainage, which together are classic early signs of wound infection. For DVT and potential PE, swelling of the affected limb is common, and if a clot reaches the lungs, chest pain and shortness of breath are key warning signs. The same option includes swelling, chest pain, and shortness of breath, making it a complete and accurate pairing for these complications. The other choices mix in signs that aren’t reliably specific or typical for these post-op issues—fever alone, hoarseness, skin dryness, increased appetite, or coughing without the vascular-pulmonary context.

Postoperative problems to watch for include infection at the surgical site and blood clots that can travel to the lungs. Infections typically show local wound changes such as redness and drainage, often along with fever. The first option lists redness, fever, and drainage, which together are classic early signs of wound infection. For DVT and potential PE, swelling of the affected limb is common, and if a clot reaches the lungs, chest pain and shortness of breath are key warning signs. The same option includes swelling, chest pain, and shortness of breath, making it a complete and accurate pairing for these complications. The other choices mix in signs that aren’t reliably specific or typical for these post-op issues—fever alone, hoarseness, skin dryness, increased appetite, or coughing without the vascular-pulmonary context.