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Post-operative fever
From WikEM
Differential Diagnosis
The following mneumonic can be used to aid in remembering the common causes of post-op fever:
- Wind (POD 1-2) - pneumonia, pulmonary embolism
- Water (POD 3-5) - UTI, specifically if an indwelling foley catheter is in place
- Walking (POD 4-6) - DVT/PE related to immobility
- Wound (POD 5-7) - surgical site infection
- Wonder Drugs (POD >7) - fever related to IV lines, or drug fever
