All Factors Regarding Body Temperature

Question 1

Time of Day

Answer 1

Body temperature is lower in the morning upon waking, when metabolism is still slow; and the body’s highest temperature usually occurs in the evening.

Question 2

Age

Answer 2

Infants and children normally have a higher body temperature than adults because of immature heat
regulation. Children often tend to spike a fever late in the day. Older adults usually have lower-than-normal
body temperature.

Question 3

Gender

Answer 3

Women may experience a slight increase in body temperature at the time of ovulation.

Question 4

Physical Exercise

Answer 4

Body temperature will rise during exercise as a result of increased muscle contraction and increased blood flow caused by heightened cardiovascular activity.

Question 5

Emotions

Answer 5

Emotions such as crying and anger can cause an increase in body temperature.

Question 6

Pregnancy

Answer 6

An increase in metabolism during pregnancy may cause the body temperature to rise.

Question 7

Environmental Changes

Answer 7

Hot weather can cause serious consequences for older adults whose bodies are less able to regulate body
temperature because of decreased metabolic functioning. Exposure to excessively cold temperatures will
lower body temperature. Cool environments that may feel fine to a younger adult can cause hypothermia in
an older person.

Question 8

Infection

Answer 8

An elevated temperature may be one of the first signs of an infection. A fever is the body’s way of fighting or killing off infectious organisms.

Question 9

Drugs

Answer 9

Drugs may increase muscular activity or metabolism, which in turn increases temperature. Antipyretic (fever-reducing) drugs such as aspirin lower the above-normal temperature.

Question 10

Food

Answer 10

The process of eating and digestion may cause a rise in the body temperature. Fasting decreases metabolism, which will lower body temperature.