Final answer:
A fever on post-operative day 5 or later is commonly caused by a nosocomial infection such as puerperal sepsis, which can originate from various sources including the surgical wound. Identification through culture and antimicrobial susceptibility testing is key to determine the appropriate antibiotic treatment. Strict hygiene protocols are essential in reducing the incidence of such infections.
Step-by-step explanation:
Common Causes of Post-Operative Fever after Day 5
A common cause of fever on post-operative day 5 or later could be due to a nosocomial infection such as puerperal sepsis. This type of infection is particularly associated with childbirth, where the infection may originate from the genital tract, breast, urinary tract, or a surgical wound. After surgery, it is also possible for patients to develop infections at the site of a surgical wound as suggested in the case of Barbara, a patient with a catheter infection, or in the case of Mark, who developed infectious arthritis after a minor leg injury. The fever could also be indicative of other conditions, such as inflammation spreading from the initial site of infection, causing more systemic symptoms as seen in severe cases with symptoms like jaundice, petechial rash, and mucosal hemorrhages.
In such cases, it is vital to isolate and identify the etiologic agent through blood, wound, or urine specimens. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing is then utilized to determine the most effective antibiotic treatment. Nosocomial infections like puerperal fever can be reduced significantly through the use of antiseptics during surgery and strict handwashing protocols by medical staff.