What is a common vital sign alteration that may indicate a complication?

Fever or increased temperature is a common vital sign alteration that can indicate a complication following surgery. An elevated temperature often suggests the presence of infection, inflammation, or other physiological stressors in the body. Postoperative patients are particularly susceptible to infections due to potential exposure during surgical procedures, and a fever can be one of the first signs of such complications.

Monitoring a patient's temperature is critical in the postoperative period, as it helps healthcare providers identify problems early and take appropriate action. If a patient develops a fever, further investigation would typically be warranted to determine the underlying cause, which could range from a simple reaction to the anesthesia to a more serious infection such as pneumonia or a surgical site infection.

In contrast, the other options do not typically serve as immediate indicators of complications. Weight loss can occur later and is not an immediate postoperative concern. A decreased heart rate might indicate various issues depending on the context but is not as universally indicative of complications as a fever. Increased appetite generally suggests recovery and is less concerning in the immediate postoperative phase.