Which vital sign is a common indicator of infection in a patient?

Fever is a common indicator of infection in a patient because it represents the body's natural response to an infectious agent. When the body detects an infection, the immune system releases chemicals called pyrogens, which signal the hypothalamus in the brain to raise the body's temperature. This elevated body temperature is intended to create an environment that is less favorable for pathogens to thrive and to enhance the efficiency of the immune system.

Fever is frequently one of the early signs that healthcare providers look for when assessing a patient who may be experiencing an infection. It typically indicates that the body is actively fighting off foreign invaders, such as bacteria or viruses. Monitoring temperature, therefore, provides critical information about a patient's physiological state and helps guide further diagnostic and therapeutic decisions.

Other options may relate to various medical conditions but do not serve as direct indicators of infection in the same consistent manner as fever does. For example, hypotension can occur in many situations, including dehydration or shock, and is not specific to infection alone. Bradycardia, or a slow heart rate, may occur due to a variety of causes, including certain medications or heart conditions, rather than signaling the presence of infection. Hyperglycemia, or elevated blood sugar levels, can also result from numerous factors