What are signs of possible surgical site infection (SSI)?

Signs of possible surgical site infection (SSI) typically include fever, increased drainage from the wound, and pain at the surgical site. Fever is a physiological response to infection, often resulting from the immune system's response to pathogens. Increased drainage may indicate that the surgical site is not healing properly and is, instead, producing an abnormal amount of fluid, which can be a sign of infection. Pain at the site can also indicate inflammation or irritation caused by an infectious process.

These symptoms collectively suggest that the body may be responding to an infective agent, requiring further assessment and potentially prompt intervention to prevent complications. Recognizing these signs is crucial for timely management of SSIs, which can lead to more serious health concerns if not addressed.

Other options, while they may indicate various health issues, do not specifically correlate with the classic signs of a surgical site infection. Increased appetite and weight gain, low heart rate and fatigue, and high blood pressure with confusion relate to different medical conditions that are not indicative of an SSI.