Recognising sepsis and why low – and even normal – body temperature can be significant
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Recognising sepsis and why low – and even normal – body temperature can be significant

Kathy Oxtoby Health journalist

Fever does not always go hand-in-hand with sepsis, in fact, lower core body temperature is associated with poorer outcomes. Find out how to ensure clues are not missed in observations

Changes in body temperature are a characteristic feature of sepsis. Often this means a rise in temperature or fever as the body attempts to fight the infection. But in some cases, especially in the later stages of sepsis, patients may develop low body temperature. While this is less common, it is associated with poorer outcomes, so it is important to be on the lookout for low as well as high temperatures when considering potential sepsis cases.

Nursing Standard. 39, 11, 11-13. doi: 10.7748/ns.39.11.11.s4

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