Which of the following signals a need for immediate medical attention in postoperative patients?

The indication that a postoperative patient requires immediate medical attention is persistent fever and chills. These symptoms can be indicative of a serious complication, such as an infection, which may occur after surgical procedures. Fever is a common response to infection, while chills often accompany fever and can signal an acute body response to infectious agents or possible sepsis.

Postoperative patients are typically monitored closely for signs of infection and other complications, making persistent fever and chills a critical situation that requires prompt assessment and intervention by healthcare providers. In the context of postoperative care, these symptoms reveal the potential for serious underlying issues that must be addressed to ensure patient safety and recovery.

In contrast, discomfort during movement and increased appetite can be part of the normal recovery process for many patients. Improvement in wound appearance is also a positive sign indicating that healing is progressing as expected. These other options do not typically signify urgent medical concerns.