The nurse is caring for a neonate who is suspected of having sepsis. Which assessment findings would the nurse interpret as most indicative of sepsis?

A. Rash on face: While some rashes may accompany infections, a localized facial rash in a neonate is nonspecific and can result from benign conditions such as erythema toxicum neonatorum, making it less indicative of systemic sepsis. B. Edematous neck: Neck edema is uncommon in neonates and may suggest local trauma, lymphatic obstruction, or congenital anomalies rather than sepsis. It does not provide reliable evidence of systemic infection. C. Hypothermia: Neonates with sepsis often present with hypothermia rather than fever due to immature thermoregulatory and immune systems. Persistent low body temperature, along with other signs such as lethargy or poor feeding, is a strong indicator of potential sepsis and warrants prompt evaluation and intervention. D. Coughing: Coughing may indicate a respiratory condition, but isolated coughing is not a sensitive or specific marker for neonatal sepsis. Respiratory distress in combination with systemic signs would be more concerning.