Questions: A nurse is caring for a client who is 2 days postoperative. Which of the following findings should alert the nurse that the client is developing an infection? Temperature 37.8°C (100°F) Erythema at the incision site WBC count 9,000 / mm^3 Pain reported as 6 on a scale of 0 to 10

The answer is the second one: Erythema at the incision site.

Explanation for each option:

1. Temperature $37.8^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\left(100^{\circ} \mathrm{F}\right)$: A slight increase in temperature is common in the postoperative period and does not necessarily indicate an infection. A temperature of $37.8^{\circ} \mathrm{C}$ is only slightly elevated and could be due to other factors such as inflammation or the body's response to surgery.

2. Erythema at the incision site: Erythema, or redness, at the incision site can be a sign of infection, especially if it is accompanied by other symptoms such as warmth, swelling, or discharge. This is a more specific indicator of a localized infection at the surgical site.

3. WBC count $9,000 / \mathrm{mm}^{3}$: A white blood cell count of $9,000 / \mathrm{mm}^{3}$ is within the normal range (typically 4,000 to 11,000 / mm³) and does not indicate an infection. An elevated WBC count might suggest infection, but this value alone is not indicative.

4. Pain reported as 6 on a scale of 0 to 10: Pain is expected after surgery and can vary greatly among individuals. While increased pain can be a sign of infection, it is not specific enough on its own to indicate an infection without other accompanying symptoms.

In summary, erythema at the incision site is the most specific finding among the options that should alert the nurse to the possibility of an infection developing in the postoperative client.