Body Temperature and Fever

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Questions and Answers

Which type of thermometer generally provides the most accurate measurement of core body temperature?

Forehead thermometer

Oral thermometer

Rectal thermometer (correct)

Ear thermometer

What is the normal range for body temperature in degrees Celsius?

38.3ºC to 39.3ºC

36.3ºC to 37.3ºC (correct)

35.3ºC to 36.3ºC

37.3ºC to 38.3ºC

What does a fever indicate in the body?

Dehydration

Overexertion

Infection (correct)

Poor immune system

Which age group generally has lower body temperature compared to others?

Older people Signup and view all the answers

When is the daily body temperature variation increase observed?

At exercise Signup and view all the answers

What is the overall response from the body's immune system to a fever?

Inflammation Signup and view all the answers

What is traditionally considered the average temperature of the human body?

98.6 F (37ºC) Signup and view all the answers

At what temperature is a fever generally considered to be present when using a mouth thermometer?

100 F (37.8ºC) Signup and view all the answers

When should immediate medical care be sought for a high-grade fever?

When the temperature reaches 103F or above continuously for more than 3 days Signup and view all the answers

What are potential symptoms accompanying a high-grade fever that necessitate seeking immediate medical attention?

Rash, unusual sensitivity to bright light, stiff neck and pain when bending the head forward Signup and view all the answers

What type of fever is characterized by a sudden and short-term increase in body temperature?

Acute Fever Signup and view all the answers

What are the common symptoms of a fever?

Sweating, chills and shivering, headache, muscle aches Signup and view all the answers

When should medical care be sought for a child experiencing fever?

If the child has a fever that lasts longer than three days Signup and view all the answers

What can typical fever patterns provide useful diagnostic clues for?

Infectious diseases without localizing signs such as malaria and typhoid Signup and view all the answers

When should adults seek immediate medical attention if they have a fever?

If their temperature is 103 F (39.4ºC) or higher Signup and view all the answers

What would be appropriate to do if a child has a fever after being left in a hot car?

Seek immediate medical care Signup and view all the answers

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.