Answer :
Final answer:
A 40-year-old patient's axillary temperature of 100.2 degrees Fahrenheit is considered febrile, indicating a mild fever and suggesting possible infection or other health concerns. It is not considered hypothermic, nor is it normal for an adult.
Explanation:
A 40-year-old patient's axillary temperature of 100.2 degrees Fahrenheit is considered febrile. The average normal body temperature is about 98.6 °F (37.0 °C), but it can normally range from 97.7 to 99.5 °F (36.5 to 37.5 °C). A temperature above 99.5 °F (37.5 °C) generally indicates a fever. Therefore, an axillary temperature of 100.2 °F suggests that the patient has a mild fever, which could be a sign of an underlying infection or other health issue. It is not likely to be inaccurate and does not typically need to be retaken, unless there is a reason to suspect a malfunctioning thermometer or an error in the method of measurement. A reading of 100.2 °F is certainly not considered hypothermic, which would occur at temperatures below 95.0 °F (35.0 °C), nor is it within the normal range for any adult, regardless of age.