What is the normal rectal temperature range?

What is the normal rectal temperature range?

• A. 97.6 to 99.6
• B. 98.6 to 100.6
• C. 96.0 to 98.0
• D. 99.0 to 101.0

Answer: (B)

Rectal temperature mirrors the body's core temperature and reads about 0.9°F higher than oral measurements. Since the typical oral normal is around 97.6–99.6°F, the corresponding normal rectal range shifts upward to roughly 98.5–100.5°F. In practice, the accepted rectal normal range is about 98.6–100.6°F, which fits the expected offset and stays within a healthy core temperature window. The other ranges are either too low for a true rectal reading or extend into values that would suggest fever.

Rectal temperature mirrors the body's core temperature and reads about 0.9°F higher than oral measurements. Since the typical oral normal is around 97.6–99.6°F, the corresponding normal rectal range shifts upward to roughly 98.5–100.5°F. In practice, the accepted rectal normal range is about 98.6–100.6°F, which fits the expected offset and stays within a healthy core temperature window. The other ranges are either too low for a true rectal reading or extend into values that would suggest fever.