Which is a common sign of infection that healthcare workers should monitor?

Monitoring for signs of infection is essential in healthcare settings, and fever is one of the most common and significant indicators. A fever typically indicates that the body is responding to an infection, as it represents an increase in body temperature, often due to the immune system fighting off pathogens. Fever can help healthcare workers identify potential infections early, allowing for timely interventions and treatment.

Fever can be a response to viruses, bacteria, and other infectious agents, and recognizing it can assist in differentiating between infectious and non-infectious causes of illness. In contrast, excessive energy, increased appetite, and improved mood do not typically signal the presence of an infection and may indicate a normal, healthy state or response to non-infectious factors. Therefore, monitoring for fever is crucial for Infection Preventionists and other healthcare workers in striving to maintain patient safety and manage infections effectively.