In older adults, which temperature is typically considered febrile?

In older adults, which temperature is typically considered febrile?

• A. 100.2 F
• B. 99.5 F
• C. 101.5 F
• D. 99.0 F

Answer: (C)

Older adults often have a blunted fever response, so the temperature threshold used to define fever is a bit higher in this group. A fever is typically considered present when the temperature is around 101°F (38.3°C) or higher in the elderly. Therefore, 101.5°F clearly meets the febrile threshold for an older adult, while the other temperatures are below that cutoff. Keep in mind that infections in older adults can sometimes present with little or no fever, so clinical signs and diagnostics matter alongside temperature.

Older adults often have a blunted fever response, so the temperature threshold used to define fever is a bit higher in this group. A fever is typically considered present when the temperature is around 101°F (38.3°C) or higher in the elderly. Therefore, 101.5°F clearly meets the febrile threshold for an older adult, while the other temperatures are below that cutoff. Keep in mind that infections in older adults can sometimes present with little or no fever, so clinical signs and diagnostics matter alongside temperature.