The sign or symptom that suggests that a patient with impaired skin integrity is developing systemic infection is a

A. This is the correct answer. A fever is a classic systemic sign of infection, indicating that the body’s immune system is responding to pathogens that may have spread beyond a localized area. In a patient with impaired skin integrity, an elevated temperature strongly suggests the development of a systemic infection and requires prompt nursing and medical intervention. B. Severe itching is commonly associated with local skin irritation, allergic reactions, or inflammatory skin conditions. While uncomfortable, itching alone does not indicate that an infection has become systemic. C. This slight increase in blood pressure is minimal and can be influenced by factors such as stress, pain, or activity. It is not a reliable indicator of systemic infection. D. Swelling and warmth at a lesion site are signs of a localized infection or inflammation, not systemic involvement. While concerning, these findings alone do not indicate that the infection has spread throughout the body.