A nurse is assisting with the care of a preschooler who sustained a major burn injury 5 days ago. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as a manifestation of sepsis?

A. Polyuria is not typically associated with sepsis; it may be seen in other conditions such as diabetes. In sepsis, urine output is often decreased due to impaired kidney function and shock. B. Disorientation is a sign of sepsis, indicating that the infection may have spread to the bloodstream and is affecting the central nervous system. Altered mental status is a critical indicator of severe infection. C. Hyperactive bowel sounds are not associated with sepsis. In sepsis, bowel sounds may actually be decreased due to decreased perfusion to the gastrointestinal tract. D. Hypoglycemia can occur in sepsis, but it is not as specific an indicator as disorientation. Monitoring blood glucose levels is important, but disorientation provides a clearer sign of systemic infection.