Temperature of 98.7 degree Fahrenheit is approximately equal to degree Celsius?

Appeared in: AIIMS Patna NO - 2020

Explanation

The standard formula to convert Fahrenheit (°F) to Celsius (°C) is C = (F - 32) × 5/9.
Applying the formula to the given temperature: C = (98.7 - 32) × 5/9.
This simplifies to C = 66.7 × 5/9, which calculates to approximately 37.06°C.
This value is considered a normal body temperature (afebrile), as the standard is typically around 37°C or 98.6°F.

Option A: This is an incorrect calculation. A temperature of 38.16°C is equivalent to approximately 100.7°F.
Option B: This is an incorrect calculation. A temperature of 37.56°C is equivalent to approximately 99.6°F.
Option D: This is an incorrect calculation. A temperature of 36.52°C is equivalent to approximately 97.7°F.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Temperature conversion from Fahrenheit to Celsius as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Accurate temperature conversion is a fundamental nursing skill, essential for correctly interpreting vital signs, diagnosing conditions like fever (pyrexia) or hypothermia, and evaluating patient response to treatments.
While many modern thermometers provide dual-scale readings, manual conversion is often necessary when documenting in systems that use a different standard (e.g., Celsius is standard in Indian healthcare).
What if? If a patient's temperature was 102.2°F, the conversion would be (102.2 - 32) × 5/9 = 39°C. This would be considered a significant fever, likely requiring antipyretic medication and further investigation.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the task: convert a temperature from Fahrenheit to Celsius.
Recall the specific formula for this conversion: C = (F - 32) × 5/9.
Substitute the given Fahrenheit value (98.7) into the formula: C = (98.7 - 32) × 5/9.
Perform the subtraction first: 98.7 - 32 = 66.7.
Complete the multiplication and division: (66.7 × 5) / 9 ≈ 37.06.
Match your calculated result (37.06°C) with the provided options to find the correct answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Nursing Fundamentals Taylor p. 118-120

E6 Medicine Harrison 22e Part 1 p. 175-177

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