Texas Medical Assistant Certification Practice Test

A remittent body temperature shows significant fluctuations in a 24-hour period but does not __________.

1. Rise to a fever level

2. Fall below normal body temperature

3. Indicate any medical issue

4. Require recording in the patient's medical record

The correct answer is: Fall below normal body temperature

A remittent body temperature is characterized by significant fluctuations that occur over a 24-hour period but typically remains above normal. This means that while the temperature shows variation, it does not drop below the established normal range, which is generally around 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit (37 degrees Celsius). In the context of a remittent fever, the key aspect is that the temperature fluctuates but does not reach a baseline so low that it would be classified as hypothermic or subnormal. Rather, the temperature will exhibit high points during the fever, but the lower points will not fall below what is considered normal. This is distinct from other types of fever patterns, such as intermittent fevers, where the temperature may return to normal levels. Therefore, understanding remittent fever involves recognizing its definition and characteristics, specifically that while it presents variations, it maintains a temperature within a range that is not lower than normal body temperature at any point during that 24-hour cycle.