What vital sign change might infants exhibit in response to an infection?

Infants may exhibit hypothermia in response to an infection due to their immature thermoregulation mechanisms. Infections can lead to an inadequate response in temperature regulation, and instead of developing fever, which is a common response in older children and adults, infants may experience a drop in body temperature. This is particularly concerning as it can indicate a more severe infection, as infants are less capable of mounting an effective immune response compared to older individuals.

Hypothermia in infants often signifies a systemic response to infection, and this temperature change can result from factors such as sepsis or significant bacterial infections. Understanding these physiological responses is crucial for prompt identification and management of infections in pediatric patients.

In contrast, hyperthermia is often more typical in infections, but the question specifically addresses the unique response observed in infants. Hypertension and bradycardia are less likely physiological responses to infection in infants, as these vital sign changes could indicate different clinical scenarios and are not typically associated with the body's response to infection in this age group.