An 86-year-old patient is admitted to the ward 1-day post perforated peptic ulcer repair. He has a spiked temperature. The operations note reports that there was minimal peritoneal soiling at the time of the operation. The patient has a morphine infusion, but his pain is poorly controlled. A urinary catheter remains from his operation and the urine output is adequate. Prior to the surgery, the patient was fit, but was a heavy smoker.
Physical examination Blood pressure: 130/90 mmHg Pulse rate:110/min Respiratory rate: 30/min Temperature: 38°C His saturations have remained at 99%. Chest: Coarse basal crepitations bilaterally and the lung bases are dull on percussion. Abdomen: Tenderness around the incision site and the urinalysis area Blood tests and a portable chest X-ray are attached. What is the likely cause of the pyrexia in this patient? (Answer is posted in the comment section…
