Fever (Post-operative)

Antimicrobials not usually required

• Conditions that usually do not require antimicrobials:
  • tissue necrosis
  • mild erythema of surgical wound
  • low grade fever with normal or modestly raised WBC count, normal blood pressure and pulse, and absence of localising signs
• Patients with these conditions should be reviewed frequently according to Early Warning Scores (EWS) for deterioration. A septic screen may be indicated, including chest X-ray, WBC count, blood cultures x 2, and MSU.
• Specialist consultation may be required if condition is severe or persistent.

Antimicrobials usually required

• Conditions that usually require antimicrobials (refer to relevant guideline) include:
  • Sepsis (post-operative)
  • Pneumonia (post-operative)
  • Urinary Tract Infection/Pyelonephritis (post-operative)
  • Abdominal Wound Infection (post-operative)
  • Limb Wound Infection (post-operative)

Topic Code: 99282

must be prescribed or recommended by a consultant.