Convert 38.6°C into F°.

Appeared in: NORCET 2 - 2021 (shift-1)

Explanation

The standard formula to convert temperature from Celsius (°C) to Fahrenheit (°F) is: °F = (°C × 9/5) + 32.
Substituting the given value: °F = (38.6 × 1.8) + 32.
The calculation yields: 69.48 + 32 = 101.48°F.
Among the given options, 101.4°F is the closest value to the calculated result of 101.48°F.

Option B: This value corresponds to approximately 40°C, which is significantly higher than the given 38.6°C and is classified as a high fever.
Option C: This value corresponds to approximately 37.8°C, which is lower than the given 38.6°C and is just at the threshold of what is considered a fever.
Option D: This value corresponds to approximately 39.4°C, which is a higher grade of fever than the given 38.6°C.

Visual 1: Infographic - A clear, side-by-side comparison chart showing the conversion formula and key temperature points (freezing, boiling, normal body temp, fever) on both Celsius and Fahrenheit scales.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Temperature conversion from Celsius to Fahrenheit as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Accurate temperature conversion is a fundamental nursing skill essential for correctly assessing a patient's condition, particularly for identifying fever (pyrexia).
A temperature of 38.6°C (101.48°F) is classified as a moderate fever, signaling an inflammatory or infectious process that requires monitoring and potential intervention, such as administering antipyretics as ordered.
What if? If the temperature was 37.0°C, the conversion would be 98.6°F. This is considered a normal body temperature (afebrile), and no fever-related interventions would be necessary.

How to Approach the Question

Step 1: Identify the core task, which is a mathematical conversion from Celsius to Fahrenheit.
Step 2: Recall the correct conversion formula: °F = (°C × 9/5) + 32 or °F = (°C × 1.8) + 32.
Step 3: Substitute the given Celsius value (38.6) into the formula.
Step 4: Perform the multiplication first: 38.6 × 1.8 = 69.48.
Step 5: Perform the addition: 69.48 + 32 = 101.48.
Step 6: Compare your calculated answer (101.48°F) to the provided options and select the one that is numerically closest.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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Practise the full NORCET 2 - 2021 (shift-1)

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