What is the rectal temperature reading given?

• A. 98.6 F
• B. 99.5 F
• C. 100.0 F
• D. 97.8 F

Answer: (B)

Rectal temperature readings sit higher than oral ones because the rectum reflects core body temperature more directly. In adults, the rectal value is typically about 0.9°F higher than an oral value and falls in a normal range roughly 98.7–100.5°F. A rectal reading of 99.5°F fits this pattern and represents a normal core temperature. If an oral temperature were around 98.6°F, the corresponding rectal reading would be about 99.5°F, which matches the given value. The other numbers don’t align as typical rectal values: 98.6°F is usually seen as an oral reading, 100.0°F is toward the high end but still normal, and 97.8°F would be low for a rectal measurement.