Which of the following would typically indicate a need for medical attention after a surgical procedure?

Increased pain after a surgical procedure can be a significant indicator that something may be wrong and medical attention might be necessary. While some discomfort is expected following surgery, a noticeable increase in pain, particularly if it is sudden or beyond what is considered normal, can point to complications such as infection, improper healing, or other underlying issues that require evaluation and possible intervention.

The other options, such as small bruising, minor swelling, and normal redness, are often typical responses to surgery and may not necessarily indicate a problem. For example, small bruising and minor swelling can be part of the normal healing process. Normal redness around the surgical site is usually expected as well, as it may indicate inflammation but does not necessarily suggest a complication unless accompanied by other concerning signs. Thus, the presence of increased pain stands out as a clear signal that warrants further medical evaluation.