What is the definition of hypothermia?

• A. Core body temp < 35 C (95 F)
• B. Core body temp < 32 C (90 F)
• C. Core body temp < 28 C (82 F)
• D. Core body temp < 40 C (104 F)

Answer: (A)

Hypothermia happens when the core body temperature falls below what’s normal, usually due to heat loss exceeding heat production. The standard clinical definition is a core temperature below 35°C (95°F). This threshold is what signals that the body is no longer maintaining its regulated temperature, guiding urgent recognition and management. Temperature ranges within hypothermia are usually described as mild (about 32–35°C), moderate (28–32°C), and severe (below 28°C), with symptoms that intensify as temperature drops—from shivering and tachycardia in the milder range to confusion, impaired consciousness, bradycardia, and potential cardiac complications as it worsens. When measuring core temperature, internal probes like esophageal, rectal, or bladder readings provide the most accurate assessment, since skin or peripheral readings can be unreliable in hypothermia. The option reflecting 40°C describes fever, not hypothermia, and the lower thresholds describe more severe degrees of hypothermia rather than the basic definition.