What clinical finding is suggested by the presence of hyperemia and significant warmth in the area of a newly formed hematoma after surgery?

The presence of hyperemia (increased blood flow) and significant warmth at the site of a newly formed hematoma post-surgery is an indicator of infection. These symptoms suggest that the body is responding to a likely infection in the area, as the increased blood flow brings leukocytes and nutrients to fight off potential pathogens.

While normal healing can involve some inflammation, it typically does not present with significant warmth and hyperemia to the extent observed in infections. Hematoma expansion would be identified by other clinical signs such as an increase in the size of the hematoma, rather than hyperemia and warmth. Deep vein thrombosis would usually present with different symptoms, such as swelling, pain, and possible tenderness in the affected extremity, rather than localized warmth and redness at the site of a hematoma.

Thus, the combination of hyperemia and warmth strongly suggests an infectious process, warranting further evaluation and management.