What vital sign change may indicate infection in a patient?

Fever is a common vital sign change that indicates infection in a patient. When the body detects an infection, the immune system responds by releasing substances called pyrogens, which increase the body's temperature set point in the hypothalamus. This rise in body temperature, or fever, serves as a defense mechanism, helping to create an environment less favorable for pathogens and enhancing the effectiveness of the immune response.

While other vital sign changes such as bradycardia (slow heart rate), hypotension (low blood pressure), and hypothermia (low body temperature) can occur in various medical conditions, they are not specific indicators of infection. For instance, bradycardia could be a reaction to medication or a sign of other health issues. Hypotension might suggest shock or other critical conditions rather than specifically pointing to an infection, and hypothermia often signifies a severe illness, possibly a response to systemic infection but is less common than fever.

Recognizing fever as a key indicator of infection is essential for patient care technicians and assists healthcare professionals in prioritizing interventions and treatment in clinical settings.