What symptoms did Mrs. Eldredge exhibit two weeks post-surgery?

• A. No symptoms
• B. Severe headache
• C. Cough and shortness of breath
• D. Increased pain in her hip and low-grade fever

Answer: (D)

Two weeks after surgery, new or increasing pain at the operative site together with a fever is a red flag for infection around the surgical area or prosthesis. Normal recovery at this stage should show improving pain and functioning; persistent or worsening hip pain paired with a fever suggests the body may be fighting bacteria at the wound or around the implanted joint. The combination of localized symptoms and systemic signs is more consistent with infection than with other potential issues that would present differently—for example, no symptoms would not be expected, a severe headache points to a different problem, and respiratory symptoms would raise concerns about lungs or embolic events.

In practice, this scenario would prompt a focused assessment: inspect the incision for redness, warmth, swelling, or drainage; monitor vital signs; review or obtain labs such as white blood cell count and inflammatory markers; and obtain cultures if there is drainage. Prompt communication with the clinician is essential to determine the need for imaging and possible antibiotic therapy, while ensuring patient safety and proper infection control measures.