A Child Is Brought to the Hospital with a Fever

question 23

Multiple Choice

A child is brought to the hospital with a fever of 107°F. Doctors immediately order an ice bath to lower the child's temperature. Which of the following statements offers the most logical explanation for this action?

• A) Elevated body temperature will increase reaction rates in the child's cells and overload the limited number of enzymes found in the cell.
• B) Elevated body temperatures may denature enzymes. This would interfere with the cell's abilities to catalyze various reactions.
• C) Elevated body temperatures will increase the energy of activation needed to start various chemical reactions in the body. This will interfere with the ability of enzymes to catalyze vital chemical reactions.
• D) Elevated body temperatures cause molecules to vibrate more quickly and prevent enzymes from easily attaching to reactants. This would slow vital body reactions.

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Definitions:

Geometric Mean

A measure of location that is calculated by finding the nth root of the product of n values.

Growth Factors

Elements or conditions that stimulate development or expansion, particularly in economic or biological contexts.

Chattanooga

A city in southeastern Tennessee, known for its rich history, scenic beauty, and economic significance.

50th Percentile

A statistical measure indicating the value below which 50% of observations in a group fall.