An older client has an oral temperature reading of 97.2 degrees F. The

An older client has an oral temperature reading of 97.2 degrees F. The nurse realizes that this client’s low temperature could be due to which observation?

1. The anxiety level of the client has increased.
2. Hormones have fluctuated in this client.
3. Muscle activity has increased during the client’s therapy session.
4. Loss of subcutaneous fat is noted.

ANSWER

Correct Answer: 4
Rationale 1: If a client is anxious or stressed, this response stimulates the sympathetic nervous system. This in turn increases the production of epinephrine and norepinephrine, which increases metabolic and heat production, causing the temperature to rise.
Rationale 2: Women experience more hormonal fluctuations than men, and this is usually true with the secretion of progesterone at the time of ovulation. Because this client is older, hormone fluctuations and ovulation will not impact the temperature.
Rationale 3: Exercise, which represents hard work or strenuous activity, increases body temperature. That is not the case with this client. No reference has been made to a therapy session, and the temperature is decreased.
Rationale 4: This client is older and research shows that older people are at risk for hypothermia. When one ages, subcutaneous fat is lost.