What is an early sign of infection that a nurse should monitor in an immunosuppressed client?

Fever is an early sign of infection, particularly in immunosuppressed clients, who may not exhibit the typical symptoms associated with infection due to their compromised immune systems. In such patients, the body’s ability to respond to pathogens is diminished, making it crucial for healthcare providers to be vigilant for any signs indicating infection. A rise in body temperature is often one of the first indicators that the body is responding to an infectious process. Monitoring for fever in these clients allows for timely intervention, which can be critical in preventing the progression of an infection that could further threaten their health.

In contrast, increased appetite, weight gain, and improved energy levels are not indicative of an infection and might suggest overall good health or recovery rather than signs of an underlying problem. Therefore, the presence of a fever stands out as an important alert to healthcare teams working with immunosuppressed individuals.