What vital sign could indicate a possible severe infection in a patient?

An increased body temperature is a key indicator of possible severe infection, as it signals the body's immune response to fight off pathogens. Fever is a common physiological reaction to infection, leading to elevated temperatures. This rise in temperature can occur due to various types of infections, whether bacterial, viral, or fungal, and is often one of the first signs that clinicians look for when assessing a patient for sepsis or other severe infectious processes.

When a body temperature escalates, it's a clear sign that the body is reacting to something, in this case, an infection, indicating that the patient may require further assessment and intervention. Monitoring changes in body temperature can therefore guide emergency department personnel in identifying the need for more urgent care.