If a patient's body temperature is 40 degrees Celsius, what will be the value in Fahrenheit?

Appeared in: Raj. CHO - 2023

Explanation

The standard formula to convert temperature from Celsius (°C) to Fahrenheit (°F) is: °F = (°C × 9/5) + 32.
Applying this formula to the given temperature of 40°C: °F = (40 × 9/5) + 32.
First, calculate the product: 40 multiplied by 9/5 (or 1.8) equals 72.
Next, add 32 to the result: 72 + 32 = 104.
Thus, a body temperature of 40°C is equivalent to 104°F.

Option B: This value is incorrect. 106°F is equivalent to approximately 41.1°C. This level of fever is classified as hyperpyrexia and is a medical emergency.
Option C: This value is incorrect. 100°F is equivalent to approximately 37.8°C, which is generally considered a low-grade fever.
Option D: This value is incorrect. 102°F is equivalent to approximately 38.9°C, which is considered a moderate fever.

Visual 1: Chart - A comparative chart showing the Celsius and Fahrenheit scales side-by-side, highlighting key temperatures like freezing (0°C/32°F), normal body temperature (37°C/98.6°F), and boiling (100°C/212°F). This helps visualize the relationship between the two scales.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Temperature conversion from Celsius to Fahrenheit and its clinical relevance helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
A body temperature of 40°C (104°F) indicates a high fever (pyrexia). This is a significant clinical sign that requires immediate attention and intervention.
Nursing interventions for high fever include administering prescribed antipyretics, providing tepid sponging, ensuring adequate hydration, and monitoring for complications like seizures or delirium, especially in children and older adults.
As per medical literature, a fever equal to or greater than 41°C (106°F) is termed hyperpyrexia and is a medical emergency requiring rapid cooling to prevent brain damage.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core task of the question, which is a unit conversion from Celsius to Fahrenheit.
Recall the correct mathematical formula for this conversion: °F = (°C × 1.8) + 32 or °F = (°C × 9/5) + 32.
Substitute the given value (40°C) into the formula: F = (40 × 1.8) + 32.
Perform the calculation step-by-step: 40 × 1.8 = 72, then 72 + 32 = 104.
Compare the calculated result (104) with the given options and select the matching one.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Temperature conversion from Celsius to Fahrenheit and its clinical relevance.
Stem keywords: body temperature, 40 degrees Celsius, Fahrenheit
Lead-in keywords: what will be the value
Clinical cues: patient's body temperature is 40 degrees Celsius
Negative lead-in flag: false

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Potter & Perry Fundamentals of Nursing 9th Edition — Part 2 p. 456-459

Practise the full Raj. CHO - 2023

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.