A nurse is collecting data from a client who is 2 days postoperative following abdominal surgery. Which of the following findings is a manifestation that can indicate an infection?

Postoperative clients are at increased risk for infection due to surgical incisions, invasive devices, and tissue trauma that can disrupt normal barriers to pathogens. Early recognition of infection is critical to prevent complications such as wound dehiscence, sepsis, and delayed healing. Laboratory and clinical indicators help nurses identify infection in its early stages. One of the most reliable early markers is an elevated white blood cell count, which reflects immune system activation. Rationale: A. Elevated WBC count is a common laboratory finding in infection because the body responds to pathogens by increasing leukocyte production. This leukocytosis indicates activation of the immune system as it attempts to fight invading microorganisms. In a postoperative client, an increasing WBC count beyond normal limits is an important early sign of possible infection. B. A temperature of 37.2°C (99.0°F) is within the normal or slightly elevated range and does not indicate infection. Mild temperature variations can occur postoperatively due to inflammation or atelectasis but are not diagnostic of infection. Clinically significant infection typically presents with a higher and persistent fever. C. Increased urinary output is not associated with infection in a postoperative client. Infection is more commonly linked to changes such as fever, leukocytosis, or localized signs at the surgical site. Urinary output is more reflective of hydration status, renal function, or fluid management rather than infection. D. A pain rating of 4 on a 0–10 scale is expected in the postoperative period and is not specific to infection. Post-surgical pain is common due to tissue trauma and healing processes. Although worsening or disproportionate pain may warrant further evaluation, a moderate pain score alone is not an indicator of infection.