Which early postoperative sign should be reported immediately?

"Coffee ground" emesis is characterized by the appearance of vomit that resembles coffee grounds, indicating the presence of digested blood. This is a significant early postoperative sign because it suggests gastrointestinal bleeding, which can lead to serious complications if not addressed promptly. In the context of surgery, such bleeding can stem from various sources, including erosion of tissues or complications related to the surgical procedure itself.

Immediate reporting of this sign is critical as it may warrant urgent interventions, such as re-evaluation by the surgical team or additional diagnostics like imaging or endoscopy.

While other symptoms like shivering, scanty urine output, and evidence of pain can also indicate postoperative complications, they typically do not carry the same immediate life-threatening implications associated with "coffee ground" emesis. For example, shivering might be a benign response to anesthesia or hypothermia, scanty urine output could signal dehydration or fluid imbalance but often develops more gradually, and pain, while important to address, is usually managed effectively with analgesics. Therefore, "coffee ground" emesis stands out as a more urgent clinical concern that requires immediate attention.