Which temperature range indicates moderate hypothermia?

Which temperature range indicates moderate hypothermia?

• A. 86-88°F
• B. 88-92°F
• C. 92-96°F
• D. 96-100°F

Answer: (B)

Understanding how temperature maps to hypothermia severity helps you pick the right range. Normal core body temperature is about 98.6°F. When it drops below normal, the body can’t function as efficiently, and problems with thinking, coordination, and control of body processes begin to appear. The range 88-92°F sits in the middle of the below-normal zone. It’s low enough to impair function and signal that hypothermia is present, but not so low as to indicate the most critical, life-threatening level. That middle position is why it’s identified as moderate hypothermia: more serious than mild hypothermia but not in the severe category. Earlier or higher ranges tend to reflect temperatures that are closer to normal or only mildly below normal, while much lower ranges indicate more severe hypothermia with greater risk and more urgent warming needs.

Understanding how temperature maps to hypothermia severity helps you pick the right range. Normal core body temperature is about 98.6°F. When it drops below normal, the body can’t function as efficiently, and problems with thinking, coordination, and control of body processes begin to appear.

The range 88-92°F sits in the middle of the below-normal zone. It’s low enough to impair function and signal that hypothermia is present, but not so low as to indicate the most critical, life-threatening level. That middle position is why it’s identified as moderate hypothermia: more serious than mild hypothermia but not in the severe category.

Earlier or higher ranges tend to reflect temperatures that are closer to normal or only mildly below normal, while much lower ranges indicate more severe hypothermia with greater risk and more urgent warming needs.