What is a key sign a nurse should look for when assessing for infection at a surgical site?

A key sign to look for when assessing for infection at a surgical site is temperature elevation. An increase in body temperature often indicates that the body is responding to an infection, as the immune system kicks in to fight off pathogens. This response can manifest as a fever, which may be localized to the surgical site or more generalized throughout the body. Monitoring temperature is an essential aspect of postoperative care, as it helps in early detection of potential complications, including infections that could delay healing and recovery.

While changes in appetite, signs of fatigue, and emotional changes can occur for various reasons in postoperative patients, they are not as directly indicative of infection as a rise in temperature. Changes in appetite and fatigue could stem from numerous factors, including pain, medications, or the stress of surgery, rather than solely indicating infection. Emotional changes might reflect the patient's adjustment to recovery or anxiety about their condition rather than a physical sign of infection. Thus, temperature elevation stands out as the most specific and relevant sign to monitor for infections following surgery.