A client who has undergone spinal fusion with hardware develops fever. Which finding would be most concerning for possible infection?

A client who has undergone spinal fusion with hardware develops fever. Which finding would be most concerning for possible infection?

• A. An oral temperature of 101° F
• B. Blood pressure 120/80
• C. Respiratory rate 18
• D. Pulse 72/min

Answer: (A)

Fever is a key sign of systemic infection, which is especially concerning when hardware is present after spinal fusion because bacteria can form a persistent nidus around implants. An oral temperature of 101°F indicates a fever and points to a potential infectious process, making it the most worrisome finding among the options. The other vital signs being normal do not rule out infection, as fever can be the first or most sensitive clue, and early infection can occur without immediate hemodynamic instability. In this scenario, a new fever after spinal hardware placement should prompt prompt evaluation (physical exam, labs, cultures, and possibly imaging) to assess for wound or deep hardware infection.

Fever is a key sign of systemic infection, which is especially concerning when hardware is present after spinal fusion because bacteria can form a persistent nidus around implants. An oral temperature of 101°F indicates a fever and points to a potential infectious process, making it the most worrisome finding among the options. The other vital signs being normal do not rule out infection, as fever can be the first or most sensitive clue, and early infection can occur without immediate hemodynamic instability. In this scenario, a new fever after spinal hardware placement should prompt prompt evaluation (physical exam, labs, cultures, and possibly imaging) to assess for wound or deep hardware infection.