Which action should be performed in sepsis assessment?

• A. Obtain temperature
• B. Assess for hypotension
• C. Monitor blood glucose PRN
• D. Assess for altered mental status

Answer: (A)

Fever is a common presenting feature of infection and sepsis, so obtaining the temperature is a quick, objective first step in sepsis assessment. Measuring temperature provides immediate, noninvasive information that helps raise suspicion for infection and triggers further evaluation and timely management. While assessing hypotension, altered mental status, or monitoring glucose are important for gauging severity and organ involvement, they may not be present early in all patients. Temperature, as a rapid vital sign, gives a fast, universally obtainable data point that often guides the urgency of the next steps in sepsis care.