What is the most common cause of post-operative fever?

• A. Medication reaction
• B. Pneumonia
• C. Surgical site infection
• D. Deep vein thrombosis

Answer: (C)

The most common cause of post-operative fever is surgical site infection. After surgery, patients can develop fever for various reasons, but during the initial days following a procedure, surgical site infections are particularly prevalent. These infections can occur due to contamination during surgery, a failure in sterile technique, or other factors that compromise the integumentary and immune systems.

In the postoperative setting, the classic timeline often presents with a fever within the first 48 hours post-surgery, which aligns with the wound's response to the surgical trauma and potential infection. Often, these infections can manifest with localized symptoms, making it essential to monitor surgical sites closely for signs of inflammation, discharge, or other indicators of infection.

While other causes of postoperative fever, such as medication reactions, pneumonia, and deep vein thrombosis, can occur, they are less common in the immediate post-operative phase, particularly within the first few days. Therefore, focusing on monitoring for surgical site infections is crucial for timely diagnosis and management, as these infections can lead to significant complications if not addressed promptly.