Which vital sign parameter is often altered in geriatric patients with pneumonia?

In geriatric patients with pneumonia, temperature is often altered due to the body’s response to infection. In older adults, the typical inflammatory response can be blunted, which may lead to a lower fever or even an absence of fever despite significant infection. This phenomenon is referred to as "hypothermia" in some cases, where a patient's body temperature may drop below the normal range.

Temperature changes are a critical indicator of infection, and in the context of pneumonia, an elevated temperature may suggest a more typical response, while a lower-than-expected temperature could indicate a serious underlying issue, as older adults often present atypically with infections. This makes monitoring temperature a vital part of assessing and managing pneumonia in geriatric patients.

While alterations in pulse rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate can occur, temperature changes are particularly significant in understanding the inflammatory response in older adults. Understanding these variations can aid in early recognition and treatment, which is crucial for positive outcomes in this population.