What clinical factor is NOT considered in a sepsis screen?

The clinical factor that is not typically considered in a sepsis screen is pleural effusion. In the context of assessing for sepsis, healthcare providers focus on factors that directly indicate systemic infection or inflammatory response.

Observations such as color and perfusion are critical as they reflect the infant's hemodynamic status and overall tissue perfusion, which can indicate the presence of septic shock. Responsiveness is also a key indicator, as changes in neurological status can suggest sepsis-related complications. Temperature stability is equally important; both hypothermia and hyperthermia can be indicative of an infection or systemic inflammatory response in neonates.

While pleural effusion can be a sign of underlying pathology, it is not a direct indicator of sepsis and does not form part of the standard clinical parameters assessed during a sepsis screening. This is why it is excluded from the factors considered in a typical sepsis screen.