Which post-operative complication is characterized by a blood pressure 20% lower than baseline with specific symptoms?

Hypotension is indeed characterized by a significant drop in blood pressure, often defined as a decrease of 20% or more from the patient's baseline measurements. This condition can lead to reduced blood flow to vital organs and can present with symptoms such as dizziness, lightheadedness, confusion, and even fainting.

In a post-operative context, hypotension can arise from various factors including pain management interventions, fluid loss, or blood loss during surgery. Monitoring blood pressure closely after surgery is critical as it helps in the early identification of hypotensive episodes, which require immediate intervention to prevent progression to more severe complications.

In contrast, while hemorrhage can lead to hypotension, it is primarily characterized by significant blood loss rather than the blood pressure drop itself. Shock refers to a much more complex systemic condition that may result from hypotension but also includes other parameters such as inadequate tissue perfusion and organ dysfunction. Infection is associated with other signs like fever or localized symptoms rather than changes in blood pressure alone. Thus, the specific metrics defining hypotension make it the most fitting answer in this scenario.