Which assessment findings should be monitored in a newborn for signs of sepsis?

Monitoring lethargy in a newborn for signs of sepsis is crucial because lethargy indicates a decreased level of alertness, which can be an early sign of infection. In the context of sepsis, the body is struggling to fight off an infection, which can lead to systemic effects that impact the central nervous system and result in changes in behavior, such as lethargy.

This finding can serve as an important indicator for healthcare providers to initiate further assessment and potential intervention, as early recognition of sepsis is pivotal for managing the condition effectively.

Other assessment findings such as yellow sclera and oral mucosa may indicate jaundice, which is not directly indicative of sepsis. Decreased temperature can occur in neonatal sepsis but is not as commonly observed as instability in body temperature (such as hypothermia). Respiratory distress may be present in a variety of conditions, not exclusively sepsis, and though it is a significant finding, lethargy is more directly associated with the systemic impact of infection on the infant’s alertness.