Final answer:
An elevated temperature of 39.1° C (102.4° F) is an indication of early septic shock in a child following a burn injury, as it suggests an infection and the body's inflammatory response.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a nurse is assessing the vital signs of a 10-year-old child who has suffered a burn injury, they must be vigilant for signs of early septic shock. Of the options provided, an indication of early septic shock in this context is a temperature of 39.1° C (102.4° F).
Early septic shock can be identified by a systemic inflammatory response, which often includes a fever as the body attempts to fight an infection. This elevated temperature is a sign that the burn may have led to an infection, which is causing the body to react in such a way. Other signs of septic shock might include low blood pressure, increased heart rate, and a drop in urinary output. In the context of septic shock, a blood pressure of 130/90 mm Hg and heart rate of 60/min would not typically indicate shock, nor would a urinary output of 100 mL/hr, as these figures are within normal ranges or not indicative of shock without additional context.