Which temperature reading would be diagnostic for heat stroke?

Which temperature reading would be diagnostic for heat stroke?

• A. 102 F
• B. 101 F
• C. 98 F
• D. 104 F

Answer: (D)

Heat stroke is diagnosed by a dangerously high core body temperature, typically around 104 F (40 C) or higher, especially when there are signs of central nervous system dysfunction such as confusion or seizures. Reading 104 F reflects a core temperature reaching the threshold at which thermoregulatory failure occurs, making it the diagnostic marker. Lower readings like 101 F, 102 F, or 98 F do not meet this threshold and are not diagnostic of heat stroke. In real practice, measuring core temperature with a rectal thermometer is most reliable in acute cases, since skin, oral, or tympanic readings can be inaccurate during extreme heat exposure.