Medical Assistant Certification (MAC) AMCA Practice Exam

A patient with a temperature of 100 degrees F is classified as having what type of fever?

1. High fever

2. Low-grade fever

3. Mild fever

4. Moderate fever

The correct answer is: Low-grade fever

A patient with a temperature of 100 degrees Fahrenheit is classified as having a low-grade fever. Generally, a normal body temperature is around 98.6 degrees F, with variations considered normal. When a person's temperature reaches between 100.4 degrees F and 102.2 degrees F, it is typically recognized as a low-grade fever. This classification suggests that the body is responding to some form of illness or infection but does not indicate a severe level of discomfort or danger that would be associated with higher fevers. In clinical practice, recognizing the classification of fever is important for evaluating a patient's condition and determining the appropriate course of action for treatment. High fevers, for instance, generally exceed 103 degrees F and might require more immediate intervention, while mild and moderate fever classifications do not align with the precise medical measurements that describe a low-grade fever. Therefore, understanding these categories helps medical assistants provide accurate information and care for patients.