What is a notable vital sign finding for Margaret Jones that can indicate an infection?

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A temperature of 38.4° C is notably elevated and falls within the range for fever, which is a classic indicator of infection. The body's immune response often results in an increase in body temperature as it fights off pathogens, such as bacteria or viruses. Therefore, a fever can signal the presence of an infectious process taking place in the body.

Monitoring temperature alongside other vital signs is crucial, as a fever can assist healthcare professionals in determining the patient's condition and guiding further diagnostic and treatment decisions. In this case, the elevated temperature is a significant cue that warrants further investigation to identify the underlying cause of the infection.

The other options reflect either normal or concerning but less definitive findings. For example, a temperature of 36° C is within a normal range and suggests that there is no fever or indication of infection. A pulse rate of 106/min may suggest tachycardia, which can occur for various reasons, but it is not specific for infection without additional context. Similarly, the blood pressure reading of 104/58 mm Hg may indicate hypotension, but like the pulse rate, it does not specifically indicate an infection without other accompanying symptoms or findings.

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