The nurse is assessing a patient's surgical site for signs of infection. Which of the following findings would be most indicative of a potential surgical site infection?

Choice A reason: Serosanguineous drainage is a thin, watery fluid that is pink to light red in color. It is a common and expected finding in the initial days following surgery as the wound begins to heal. It represents a mixture of serum and red blood cells and is not an indicator of an infectious process. Choice B reason: A temperature of 98.6°F (37°C) is a normal body temperature. A surgical site infection typically triggers a systemic inflammatory response, which would manifest as a fever (pyrexia), usually defined as a temperature greater than 100.4°F (38.0°C). Normal temperature suggests the absence of a systemic infection. Choice C reason: Purulent drainage is thick, opaque fluid that can be yellow, green, or brown, often possessing a foul odor. It consists of dead white blood cells (leukocytes), bacteria, and cellular debris. The presence of pus is a definitive clinical sign of a localized infection at the surgical site. Choice D reason: Approximation of wound edges means that the sides of the incision are neatly closed and touching. This is a sign of a healthy, healing wound (healing by primary intention). An infected wound would more likely show signs of dehiscence, where the edges begin to pull apart due to inflammation and pressure from underlying infection.