Which of the following is NOT a common symptom of an abdominal infection?

Persistent coughing is not typically associated with abdominal infections. Abdominal infections often present with symptoms related to the gastrointestinal system, such as abdominal pain, tenderness, fever, nausea, or vomiting, rather than respiratory symptoms like coughing. While a patient might exhibit respiratory symptoms due to other infections, coughing specifically points more towards respiratory conditions than those of the abdomen.

On the other hand, orthostatic vital sign changes can indicate dehydration or significant fluid loss, which are common in abdominal infections due to vomiting or diarrhea. IV fluid requirements often arise from these same issues of fluid loss and help to manage the patient’s fluid balance. A rapid heart rate can also occur as the body responds to infection and possible sepsis, as increased heart rate is a compensatory response to fever or decreased blood volume.