Which statement correctly classifies hypothermia by core temperature?

Which statement correctly classifies hypothermia by core temperature?

• A. Early 36-38 C; Late 34-36 C
• B. Early 33-34 C; Late 30-32 C
• C. Early 32-35 C; Late <32 C
• D. Early 36-38 C; Late 32-34 C

Answer: (C)

Classifying hypothermia by core temperature uses ranges that reflect how cold the body's core is, guiding management. Normal core temperature is about 37 C. When the core drops to 32-35 C, that is early (mild) hypothermia. If it falls further to below 32 C, it becomes late (more severe) hypothermia. This matches the standard way these stages are described, which is why the statement pairing early 32-35 C with late below 32 C is the correct choice. The other options start at or include temperatures outside the hypothermia range or split ranges inconsistently, so they don’t fit the typical staging. In practice, core temperature is measured with rectal or esophageal probes because peripheral readings can be misleading in cold exposure.

Classifying hypothermia by core temperature uses ranges that reflect how cold the body's core is, guiding management. Normal core temperature is about 37 C. When the core drops to 32-35 C, that is early (mild) hypothermia. If it falls further to below 32 C, it becomes late (more severe) hypothermia. This matches the standard way these stages are described, which is why the statement pairing early 32-35 C with late below 32 C is the correct choice. The other options start at or include temperatures outside the hypothermia range or split ranges inconsistently, so they don’t fit the typical staging. In practice, core temperature is measured with rectal or esophageal probes because peripheral readings can be misleading in cold exposure.