What clinical sign would support a suspicion of jaundice in a patient presenting with body aches and a low-grade fever?

The presence of jaundiced skin is a direct indicator of jaundice, which is characterized by a yellowing of the skin and the sclera (the whites of the eyes). This coloration occurs due to an accumulation of bilirubin in the bloodstream, often related to liver dysfunction, hemolysis, or bile duct obstruction. In the context of a patient presenting with body aches and a low-grade fever, the observation of jaundiced skin would strengthen the suspicion of underlying liver pathology or conditions causing increased breakdown of red blood cells.

In contrast, the other signs listed do not specifically indicate jaundice. Blood-tinged sputum is typically associated with respiratory issues or bleeding, swollen lymph glands may suggest an infection or malignancy, and red or purple skin lesions could be related to various dermatological or systemic conditions. None of these signs would directly support the suspicion of jaundice. Hence, the presence of jaundiced skin aligns directly with the condition in question, confirming the suspicion effectively.