Which of the following is a sign of a surgical infection?

Which of the following is a sign of a surgical infection?

• A. Fever
• B. Pus
• C. Nausea
• D. Dizziness

Answer: (B)

Purulent drainage from a wound is a clear sign of infection. When a surgical incision is infected, pus—made up of bacteria and immune cells—often drains from the site, indicating the body is mounting a local immune response. While fever can occur with infections, it’s not specific to the wound and can have other causes. Nausea and dizziness aren’t direct indicators of a wound infection. So, the presence of pus at the incision is the most indicating sign among the options. If you notice pus, report it promptly so the wound can be assessed and managed to prevent complications.

Purulent drainage from a wound is a clear sign of infection. When a surgical incision is infected, pus—made up of bacteria and immune cells—often drains from the site, indicating the body is mounting a local immune response. While fever can occur with infections, it’s not specific to the wound and can have other causes. Nausea and dizziness aren’t direct indicators of a wound infection. So, the presence of pus at the incision is the most indicating sign among the options. If you notice pus, report it promptly so the wound can be assessed and managed to prevent complications.