PAEA Surgery End Of Rotation (EOR) Practice Exam

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What is the primary cause of post-operative fever occurring within the first 24 hours after surgery?

Wound infection
Atelectasis
Pneumonia
Urinary tract infection

The correct answer is: Atelectasis

The primary cause of post-operative fever occurring within the first 24 hours after surgery is typically atelectasis. After surgical procedures, especially those involving the abdomen or thorax, patients may have reduced lung volumes and respiratory function. This can lead to the collapse of certain lung segments (atelectasis), which can provoke a systemic inflammatory response, manifesting as fever. This fever is often related to the body's physiological response to surgical stress and resulting changes in respiration. It's crucial to recognize this early post-surgical fever as part of the normal physiologic healing process rather than immediately attributing it to an infection. While infections can cause post-operative fevers, they usually develop later than the first 24 hours post-surgery. Wound infections, pneumonia, and urinary tract infections are more often associated with fevers that develop after the initial post-operative period. In addition, atelectasis can be prevented or minimized through interventions like early mobilization and incentive spirometry, highlighting the importance of respiratory care after surgery to reduce the risk of complications.