Final answer:
The most common source of fever on postpartum day 1 is puerperal sepsis. Risk factors include poor hand hygiene, cesarean delivery, and invasive devices. Antiseptics during delivery and strict handwashing protocols can significantly reduce incidence.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most common source of fever on postpartum day 1 is typically puerperal sepsis. This infection is associated with childbirth and can affect the uterus or other parts of the body. Risks for this infection increase due to nosocomial factors, especially if antiseptic protocols during delivery and good hand hygiene are not maintained. The work of Ignaz Semmelweis in the 19th century highlighted the importance of handwashing to prevent such infections.
Risk factors for puerperal sepsis include cesarean delivery, prolonged labor, the use of invasive devices like catheters during childbirth, and poor aseptic practices. Diagnosis relies on the identification of the causative agent, which usually requires blood, wound, or urine testing for accurate antimicrobial susceptibility determination.
Being aware of these risks and preventative measures is important to reduce the incidence of postpartum infections, which if left untreated, can quickly worsen and lead to severe complications like septicemia and death.