Which vital sign is most closely monitored for signs of infection?

Body temperature is the vital sign most closely monitored for signs of infection because an increase in temperature often indicates that the body is responding to an infection. When pathogens such as bacteria or viruses invade the body, the immune system reacts, frequently elevating the body's temperature as part of the immune response. This elevated temperature, or fever, is a classic sign of infection and can assist healthcare providers in diagnosing the presence and severity of an infection.

While other vital signs, such as heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate, can also provide important information about a patient’s overall health, they are not as directly indicative of infection as body temperature. For example, a rapid heart rate may occur due to a variety of factors, including anxiety or dehydration, and changes in blood pressure can result from many different conditions. Similarly, alterations in respiratory rate can be due to lung issues or other unrelated health problems. Therefore, monitoring body temperature is crucial in the long-term care setting for early identification and management of infections.