What vital sign is critical to monitor in a child with suspected sepsis?

Monitoring temperature and heart rate in a child with suspected sepsis is crucial because these vital signs can indicate the presence and severity of the infection. Fever is a common response to infection and often associated with sepsis. An elevated heart rate can reflect the body's effort to compensate for insufficient perfusion and may indicate the child's response to infection and potential deteriorating condition. Close observation of these signs allows for early recognition of septic shock or other complications, enabling timely intervention.

While blood pressure and respiratory rate are also important vital signs, they are typically included in a more comprehensive assessment rather than prioritized above temperature and heart rate when sepsis is suspected. Capillary refill and pulse oximetry levels are useful indicators of perfusion and oxygenation status, but they do not directly indicate the febrile response or tachycardia typically associated with sepsis. Weight and height changes are not acute indicators of sepsis and are less relevant in the immediate evaluation of a child's critical condition.