Which sign should a nurse monitor for indicating potential infection in an open fracture?

Monitoring temperature abnormalities is crucial in identifying potential infection in an open fracture. An elevated body temperature, often considered a hallmark sign of infection, can indicate the presence of pathogens that have entered the body through the open wound. Infections can lead to systemic responses that elevate body temperature as the immune system reacts to fight off the invading organisms. Therefore, tracking any changes in a patient’s temperature is essential for early identification and intervention.

Other indicators such as increased blood pressure may not directly correlate with infection in this context. Edema in unaffected regions may suggest other issues, such as inflammation or fluid retention, rather than a localized infection at the fracture site. Finally, decreased mobility does not specifically point towards an infection but might result from pain or other complications associated with the fracture itself. Thus, monitoring for temperature abnormalities is a clear and direct measure in assessing the risk of infection in cases of open fractures.