Certified Medical Assistant Practice Exam

If an infant has a rectal temperature of 103.6 (degree F), what would be their oral temperature?

1. 98.6 (degree F)

2. 101.6 (degree F)

3. 105.6 (degree F)

4. 99.6 (degree F)

The correct answer is: 98.6 (degree F)

For infants, a rectal temperature is generally considered more accurate than an oral temperature, as rectal measurements provide a reliable indication of core body temperature. When estimating the equivalence of a rectal temperature to an oral temperature in an infant, rectal temperatures are typically higher than oral temperatures by about one degree Fahrenheit. Considering a rectal temperature of 103.6 degrees Fahrenheit, you would subtract approximately one degree to estimate the corresponding oral temperature, leading to an estimated oral temperature of 102.6 degrees Fahrenheit. The best match from the provided options would be 101.6 degrees Fahrenheit, which is the closest approximation based on the expected difference. While the choice of 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit is a normal oral temperature for adults, it does not accurately reflect the estimation based on a rectal temperature reading.