What indicator would signify that a postpartum client has not developed an infection during her hospital stay?

The absence of fever is a key indicator that a postpartum client likely has not developed an infection during her hospital stay. Fever is often one of the first signs of infection in the postpartum period. In the absence of fever, it suggests that the client’s body is effectively managing the physiological changes after delivery and that there is no underlying infection present.

Chills and shivering can indicate a response to infection, but they may not be definitive on their own without accompanying fever. Fatigue and lethargy are common experiences for postpartum women due to significant physical and emotional adjustments, but they do not necessarily correlate with infection. Increased pain near the incision site is also a concerning sign, as it could signal inflammation or an infection related to the surgical site. Thus, the absence of fever remains the most direct and reliable indicator of a lack of infection in the postpartum setting.