What are the common signs of a surgical infection?

The presence of redness, swelling, increased pain, and fever are classic indicators of a surgical infection. After surgery, the body may react to an infection in the surgical site with localized inflammation, which manifests as redness and swelling. Increased pain at the site of the surgery is also a crucial sign, as it can indicate that the body is responding to an infection. Fever is a systemic response that signifies the body's immune system is actively fighting off an infection.

In contrast, the other choices do not accurately represent common signs of surgical infection. For instance, while fever might appear in other options, signs such as rash, headaches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, increased appetite, and energy are not typical indicators of surgical infections. Understanding these signs is essential for early intervention and management of potential complications post-surgery.