A core body temperature of 95°F (35°C) will most likely cause which of the following?

A core body temperature of 95°F (35°C) will most likely cause which of the following?

• A. Rapid breathing
• B. Severe shivering
• C. Hyperactivity
• D. Fever

Answer: (A)

When core temperature is around 35°C (95°F), the body is in mild hypothermia and starts trying to generate heat. The rapid breathing you’d expect comes from the body's need to supply more oxygen for increased metabolic activity as heat is produced, plus a sympathetic drive that boosts respiratory rate in cold stress. Shivering is common in this state, but the breathing change is a particularly likely and noticeable early response. Fever doesn’t occur from cold exposure—fever is a rise in body temperature set by infection. Hyperactivity is not typical here, as cold exposure often leads to fatigue or confusion rather than increased activity. So the most likely immediate sign is rapid breathing.

When core temperature is around 35°C (95°F), the body is in mild hypothermia and starts trying to generate heat. The rapid breathing you’d expect comes from the body's need to supply more oxygen for increased metabolic activity as heat is produced, plus a sympathetic drive that boosts respiratory rate in cold stress. Shivering is common in this state, but the breathing change is a particularly likely and noticeable early response. Fever doesn’t occur from cold exposure—fever is a rise in body temperature set by infection. Hyperactivity is not typical here, as cold exposure often leads to fatigue or confusion rather than increased activity. So the most likely immediate sign is rapid breathing.