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Questions and Answers
Which type of thermometer generally provides the most accurate measurement of core body temperature?
What is the normal range for body temperature in degrees Celsius?
What does a fever indicate in the body?
Which age group generally has lower body temperature compared to others?
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When is the daily body temperature variation increase observed?
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What is the overall response from the body's immune system to a fever?
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What is traditionally considered the average temperature of the human body?
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At what temperature is a fever generally considered to be present when using a mouth thermometer?
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When should immediate medical care be sought for a high-grade fever?
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What are potential symptoms accompanying a high-grade fever that necessitate seeking immediate medical attention?
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What type of fever is characterized by a sudden and short-term increase in body temperature?
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What are the common symptoms of a fever?
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When should medical care be sought for a child experiencing fever?
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What can typical fever patterns provide useful diagnostic clues for?
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When should adults seek immediate medical attention if they have a fever?
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What would be appropriate to do if a child has a fever after being left in a hot car?
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Study Notes
Thermometer and Body Temperature
- A thermometer that provides the most accurate measurement of core body temperature is typically a rectal thermometer.
- The normal range for body temperature in degrees Celsius is 36.5-37.5°C.
Fever and Immune System
- A fever indicates that the body is fighting an infection or inflammation.
- The body's immune system responds to a fever by increasing the production of white blood cells to fight off the infection.
Age and Body Temperature
- Infants and older adults generally have lower body temperatures compared to other age groups.
Daily Body Temperature Variation
- The daily body temperature variation increases in the late afternoon and early evening.
Fever Threshold and Medical Care
- A fever is generally considered to be present when the body temperature reaches 37.8°C (100°F) or higher when using a mouth thermometer.
- Immediate medical care should be sought for a high-grade fever (over 40°C or 104°F) or if accompanied by symptoms such as seizures, difficulty breathing, or severe headache.
Symptoms of Fever
- Common symptoms of a fever include chills, sweating, and feeling hot or cold.
- Other symptoms that may accompany a high-grade fever and necessitate seeking immediate medical attention include confusion, stiff neck, and severe abdominal pain.
Types of Fever
- A fever characterized by a sudden and short-term increase in body temperature is known as an intermittent fever.
Diagnostic Clues and Medical Care
- Typical fever patterns can provide useful diagnostic clues for underlying infections or diseases.
- Children should seek medical care if they experience fever with symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, or severe headache, or if they have a fever over 38°C (100.4°F) and are under 3 months old.
- Adults should seek immediate medical attention if they have a fever over 39.4°C (103°F) or if they experience symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, or severe headache.
- If a child has a fever after being left in a hot car, immediate medical care should be sought.
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Description
Test your knowledge about body temperature, fever, and how to take a temperature with different types of thermometers. Learn about the factors that can affect body temperature and the variations that can occur throughout the day.
