It has been shown that aiming for higher core temperatures within the range of 37.6 to 38.2°C, or 37.5 to 38.5°C, may be normal in infants without signs of overwarming. Which range best reflects this guidance?

It has been shown that aiming for higher core temperatures within the range of 37.6 to 38.2°C, or 37.5 to 38.5°C, may be normal in infants without signs of overwarming. Which range best reflects this guidance?

• A. 36.8 to 37.8°C
• B. 37.6 to 38.2°C
• C. 39.0 to 39.5°C
• D. 38.5 to 39.0°C

Answer: (B)

In neonates, a slightly higher normal temperature is possible without signs of overheating, so clinicians recognize a narrow higher range as still normal. The guidance points to a window around 37.6 to 38.2°C as the best reflection of this, since it sits in that higher-normal zone without indicating fever. Temperatures lower than this range are not capturing the higher-normal concept, while temperatures well above this window (such as 39.0–39.5°C) would suggest fever, and 38.5–39.0°C is outside the specified normal window. So 37.6 to 38.2°C best fits the described guidance.

In neonates, a slightly higher normal temperature is possible without signs of overheating, so clinicians recognize a narrow higher range as still normal. The guidance points to a window around 37.6 to 38.2°C as the best reflection of this, since it sits in that higher-normal zone without indicating fever. Temperatures lower than this range are not capturing the higher-normal concept, while temperatures well above this window (such as 39.0–39.5°C) would suggest fever, and 38.5–39.0°C is outside the specified normal window. So 37.6 to 38.2°C best fits the described guidance.