Which symptom is an indication of a potential infection at a surgical site?

Excessive warmth at the surgical site is a classic symptom indicating a potential infection. When an infection is present, the body's inflammatory response typically leads to increased blood flow to the affected area, causing it to feel warm to the touch. This local increase in temperature is part of the body's defense mechanism, aiming to fight off pathogens and facilitate the healing process.

In contrast, paleness at the site might suggest compromised circulation rather than infection, stability of the wound edges indicates proper healing and alignment, and low drainage levels may simply mean that the wound is not producing excess fluid, which is often a sign of adequate healing rather than infection. Therefore, noticing excessive warmth is a crucial observation that warrants further assessment and potentially medical intervention to manage a possible infection effectively.