A nurse is caring for a client who is 2 days postoperative. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as an indication of postoperative infection?

Postoperative infections occur when microorganisms invade surgical tissues, leading to localized or systemic inflammatory responses. Early identification is essential to prevent complications such as wound dehiscence, sepsis, or delayed healing. Typical signs include localized redness, swelling, warmth, pain, and purulent drainage. Nurses must differentiate normal postoperative inflammatory responses from abnormal findings suggestive of infection. Rationale: A. Edema around the incision site may indicate an early localized inflammatory response consistent with postoperative infection. Mild swelling can be expected after surgery, but increasing or persistent edema accompanied by other signs such as redness, warmth, or tenderness raises concern for infection. This occurs due to increased vascular permeability and immune cell activity in response to invading pathogens. B. Serous drainage in a closed suction device is a normal expected finding in the early postoperative period. This type of clear or pale yellow fluid reflects plasma leakage from healing tissues and does not indicate infection. Infection would be more likely associated with purulent, foul-smelling, or thick drainage. C. A urine output of 40 mL/hr is within the normal expected range for an adult postoperative client. Adequate urine output (generally ≥30 mL/hr) indicates sufficient renal perfusion and fluid balance. This finding does not suggest infection but rather appropriate kidney function and hydration status. D. A white blood cell (WBC) count of 8,000/mm³ falls within the normal reference range of approximately 5,000 to 10,000/mm³. While elevated WBC levels may indicate infection, this value does not suggest leukocytosis. Therefore, it does not support the presence of a postoperative infection in this client.