During postpartum assessment, which sign may indicate an infection?

Infection following childbirth can manifest through specific clinical signs, and one of the most significant indicators is uterine tenderness accompanied by fever. Uterine tenderness suggests inflammation or infection of the uterus, commonly known as endometritis, which is a result of bacteria entering the uterus during or after delivery. The presence of fever further supports this diagnosis, as it often indicates that the body is responding to infection.

When assessing postpartum patients, it's essential to consider not just the presence of individual signs but the combination of symptoms. Uterine tenderness and fever together are strong indicators of possible infection and warrant prompt medical attention, including further evaluation and appropriate interventions.

Other signs or symptoms listed, such as bright red lochia serosa, increased fatigue, and normal healing of the incision site, either do not specifically indicate the likelihood of infection or are expected in the postpartum period. For instance, bright red lochia is often seen shortly after delivery and may not be abnormal if it's consistent with the typical progression of lochial discharge. Increased fatigue can occur due to various reasons related to the demands of new parenting or recovery from childbirth but is not a definitive sign of infection. Similarly, a normal incision healing process reflects good recovery and does not suggest the presence of an infection.