Recurrent Diverticulitis in Surgery — 55yo Man | General Surgery | SMLE Q#11750
SMLE Question #11750
Surgery
General Surgery
Objective: OBJ-TRACH-EMERG-01
Last updated: February 2026
A 55-year-old man is postoperative day 4 after an elective sigmoid colectomy for recurrent diverticulitis. Over the last 24 hours, he developed fever and a mild dry cough. He denies dysuria, abdominal pain, or wound drainage. Examination shows clear lungs, a clean dry incision without erythema, and a soft, non-tender abdomen. What is the most appropriate next step in evaluation of his postoperative fever?
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