Nurses are responsible to realize that subtle changes in temperature instability can be the first signs of a life-threatening infection. Nurses are the first line of defense to pick up this subtle but important potential sepsis marker because they are charged with routinely obtaining and documenting the vital signs. It is then a nursing responsibility to address abnormal values either by intervening themselves or by notifying a medical provider. The specific nursing policy must include the required interventions along with information regarding when to notify medical providers.
Medical expert witness specialties involving nursing responsibilities regarding temperature instability include nurse, nurse practitioner, and registered nurse.