Which statement correctly identifies pyrexia?

Which statement correctly identifies pyrexia?

• A. Pyrexia refers to high blood pressure
• B. Pyrexia means rapid breathing
• C. Pyrexia is the medical term for fever
• D. Pyrexia describes low body temperature

Answer: (C)

Pyrexia is the medical term for fever. It describes an elevated core body temperature caused by the body's regulated thermostat being raised in response to infection or inflammation. Normal core temperature sits around 37°C; fever is typically recognized when it rises above about 38°C (100.4°F). This rise is driven by pyrogens that signal the hypothalamus to increase heat production and conserve heat, leading to chills and shivering. As the underlying trigger is addressed, the set point returns to normal and the body may sweat to cool down. This differs from hyperthermia, where the body overheats without a change in the set point, and from hypothermia, where body temperature is abnormally low. So identifying pyrexia as fever correctly matches the defined meaning.

Pyrexia is the medical term for fever. It describes an elevated core body temperature caused by the body's regulated thermostat being raised in response to infection or inflammation. Normal core temperature sits around 37°C; fever is typically recognized when it rises above about 38°C (100.4°F). This rise is driven by pyrogens that signal the hypothalamus to increase heat production and conserve heat, leading to chills and shivering. As the underlying trigger is addressed, the set point returns to normal and the body may sweat to cool down. This differs from hyperthermia, where the body overheats without a change in the set point, and from hypothermia, where body temperature is abnormally low. So identifying pyrexia as fever correctly matches the defined meaning.