Which symptom might suggest the client is experiencing complications following surgery?

Saturation of the dressing with blood is a significant symptom that suggests potential complications following surgery. This condition may indicate excessive bleeding, possibly from a postoperative hematoma or a surgical site that has not properly closed. While some blood spotting can be expected after surgery, a dressing that becomes heavily saturated with blood is a cause for concern and typically warrants immediate medical evaluation and intervention.

In contrast, decreased appetite can occur for various benign reasons after surgery, such as the effects of anesthesia or pain management. High blood pressure may be influenced by factors like pain or anxiety but is not a direct indicator of a surgical complication. A normal respiratory rate is generally a positive sign that indicates the patient's respiratory function is stable, thus not suggesting any complications. Therefore, saturation of the dressing with blood serves as a more definitive marker for possible surgical complications that require prompt attention.