Patient temperature of 38.5 degrees Celsius. What is the temperature in degrees Fahrenheit?
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
To convert a temperature from Celsius to Fahrenheit, we use the following formula:
F = (C × 9/5) + 32
Where:
- F is the temperature in Fahrenheit.
- C is the temperature in Celsius.
For this case, the patient’s temperature is 38.5°C. Let’s plug this into the formula:
F = (38.5 × 9/5) + 32
First, multiply 38.5 by 9/5 (or 1.8):
38.5 × 1.8 = 69.3
Now, add 32 to 69.3:
69.3 + 32 = 101.3°F
So, the patient’s temperature of 38.5°C is equivalent to 101.3°F.
Explanation:
The Celsius and Fahrenheit scales are two commonly used temperature scales. The Celsius scale is used widely around the world, particularly in scientific contexts, while the Fahrenheit scale is mainly used in the United States for everyday temperature measurements.
To convert between the two, you multiply the Celsius temperature by 9/5 (or 1.8) and then add 32. The reason behind this is that the freezing point of water is 0°C in the Celsius scale, which corresponds to 32°F in the Fahrenheit scale. The temperature intervals in Fahrenheit are smaller than those in Celsius, meaning that for each degree Celsius, there is a larger change in Fahrenheit degrees.
The conversion is useful in medical settings, especially when comparing temperature measurements across different regions or when administering medications that depend on the body temperature in Fahrenheit. A fever in Celsius is commonly around 38°C, which is considered high, and in Fahrenheit, this is typically above 100°F, indicating a potential fever.
