Why is the value chosen for use as a sentinel be carefully selected?

The value chosen for use as a sentinel must be carefully selected because it serves as a critical indicator for monitoring changes in a system or environment. An inappropriate sentinel value can lead to misinterpretation of data, potentially resulting in incorrect conclusions or actions. Additionally, it should be distinct enough to avoid confusion with legitimate data points while still being relevant to the context it represents. Proper selection ensures accurate assessment and effective decision-making based on the sentinel's signals.