What vital sign changes should a nurse monitor for signs of infection?

• A. Increased heart rate and temperature
• B. Decreased respiratory rate and blood pressure
• C. Stable temperature and increased appetite
• D. Normal heart rate and low blood glucose

Answer: (A)

Monitoring vital signs is crucial for identifying signs of infection. An increased heart rate, or tachycardia, can indicate the body's response to infection as it works to deliver more blood and immune response to the affected areas. Similarly, an elevated temperature, known as fever, is often one of the earliest and most common indicators of infection. This rise in temperature is part of the body's natural defense mechanism, as higher temperatures can inhibit the growth of pathogens and boost the immune response.

In contrast, options that suggest decreased respiratory rate and blood pressure do not indicate infection; rather, they may signal other underlying problems. Maintaining stable temperature and increased appetite, or showing a normal heart rate and low blood glucose, also does not align with the physiological responses typically observed in infection cases. Therefore, monitoring for increased heart rate and temperature is vital in assessing the presence of an infection.