A patient’s fever is 102 degrees F. Convert the temperature to Celsius scale.
(32°F − 32) × 5/9 = 0°C
a. 39 degrees C
b. 25 degrees C
c. 24 degrees C
d. 18 degrees C
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
To convert Fahrenheit to Celsius, you use the formula:
[
°C = (°F – 32) \times \frac{5}{9}
]
In this case, the fever is 102°F. Applying the formula:
[
°C = (102°F – 32) \times \frac{5}{9}
]
[
°C = (70) \times \frac{5}{9}
]
[
°C = 38.89°C
]
So, 102°F is approximately 39°C, which corresponds to option a.
Explanation:
The Fahrenheit and Celsius scales are both used to measure temperature, but they have different reference points. Fahrenheit is primarily used in the United States, while Celsius is the standard scale used in most of the world, including healthcare settings, as part of the metric system.
- Fahrenheit scale: Water freezes at 32°F and boils at 212°F under standard atmospheric conditions. The interval between freezing and boiling is 180 degrees.
- Celsius scale: Water freezes at 0°C and boils at 100°C. The Celsius scale is simpler and based on the properties of water, making it more intuitive for scientific and medical uses.
In the formula for conversion, we subtract 32 from the Fahrenheit temperature because 32°F is the freezing point of water in Fahrenheit. Afterward, we multiply by 5/9, which adjusts the scale difference between Fahrenheit and Celsius.
A fever of 39°C (102°F) is considered a high fever in clinical terms. In healthcare, accurate temperature readings are critical for diagnosing and managing conditions, as high fever may indicate an underlying infection or inflammatory response. If a patient presents with such a fever, further evaluation and possible intervention would be necessary to ensure appropriate treatment and prevent complications.