Question

1. What are the five classic causes of a post-operative fever?
2. What are two other clever causes to think of (if I do say so myself)?

Answer

1. The five classic causes of post-operative fever are:
   1. Wind = lungs (atelectasis, pneumonia, aspiration) = POD 1-2
   2. Water = UTI = POD 2-3
   3. Wound = surgical site infection = POD 3-5
   4. Walking = DVT = POD 3-5
   5. Wonder drugs = drug reactions = anytime
2. Another two “W’s” to add to this list:
   1. Withdrawal = typically alcohol
   2. “Wonky” glands = thyrotoxicosis, adrenal crisis

Check out my article in JAAPA from 2016 on “Evaluating Postoperative Fever” for a more in-depth look