Which of the following could indicate a cardiac complication after surgery?

The indication of a cardiac complication after surgery is most accurately represented by symptoms such as shortness of breath and chest pain. These symptoms can signify a variety of serious conditions, including myocardial infarction (heart attack), pulmonary embolism, or other cardiac distress. In the context of postoperative care, any new onset of these symptoms is concerning and warrants immediate assessment to rule out potential life-threatening complications.

Shortness of breath may indicate that the heart is not effectively pumping blood, leading to fluid buildup in the lungs and causing difficulty in breathing. Chest pain can suggest a number of cardiac issues, including ischemia or damage to the heart muscle. Monitoring patients for these specific symptoms after surgery is essential for early detection and intervention of cardiac complications that could adversely affect recovery.

The other choices do not typically correlate with cardiac complications. Increased appetite might suggest normal recovery or improvement, elevated mood is often a sign of emotional adjustment and positive recovery progress, and frequent urination may indicate diuresis related to fluid management post-surgery rather than a direct cardiac complication. Hence, understanding these distinct signs helps clinicians assess the potential for cardiac issues effectively.