After surgery, a patient develops a fever. What is the first action you should take?

In the context of post-surgical care, the first action to take when a patient develops a fever is to assess the surgical site. This is crucial because the surgical site may provide immediate clues regarding the cause of the fever, such as infection or inflammation. Evaluating the site allows the healthcare provider to observe for signs such as redness, swelling, discharge, or increased warmth, which are critical indicators of possible complications.

Identifying the cause of the fever helps to guide subsequent interventions effectively. For instance, if the assessment reveals signs of infection, appropriate measures, including notifying the physician or administering medications, can be taken. This systematic approach ensures that patient safety and proper clinical judgment are prioritized in post-operative care.

The other actions, while important, would typically follow the initial assessment. Administering antipyretics without understanding the underlying cause of the fever may mask symptoms, and notifying the physician would depend on the assessment of the surgical site and vital signs. Checking vital signs is essential but does not directly target the potential source of the fever, which is the surgical site in this case.