What vital sign can indicate fever?

Elevated body temperature is a key vital sign that can indicate fever. Fever is typically characterized by an increase in the body's core temperature, often as a response to infection or illness, and is considered a part of the body's defense mechanism. In many clinical settings, a temperature above the normal range (commonly above 100.4°F or 38°C) is used as a threshold to consider the presence of a fever.

Effective monitoring of body temperature is crucial in patient assessment, as it can indicate not only the current state of a patient's health but also guide further diagnostic and therapeutic decisions. Elevated body temperature can prompt additional evaluation to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment options.