How do you distinguish normal post-operative pain and swelling in an extremity from a post-operative complication such as hemorrhage, surgical site infection, etc.?

That is a good question. I would first ask the patient if their pain (and/or swelling) is any different (or worse). A change in the pain (or the recurrence of pain) could be a sign of a postoperative complication. Swelling beyond the first postoperative day, especially with erythema/warmth, could in...