Hypothermia is defined as a decrease in body temperature below 95°F (35°C). Which temperature threshold identifies this condition?

• A. 95°F (35°C)
• B. 97°F (36.1°C)
• C. 90°F (32.2°C)
• D. 100°F (37.8°C)

Answer: (A)

Hypothermia is diagnosed when the core body temperature falls below 95°F (35°C). This 95°F threshold is the standard boundary used to identify the condition, distinguishing normal or near-normal temperatures from clinically significant cooling of the body's core. Normal body temperature is around 98.6°F (37°C), so dropping to 95°F marks the point at which metabolic processes begin to slow and the body becomes vulnerable to complications. The other values are either within the normal range (around 97°F) or indicate fever (100°F) or a more severe drop (like 90°F), but the defining boundary for hypothermia is 95°F (35°C).