American Board of Surgery Qualifying Exam (ABS QE) Practice Test

By what percentage does fever increase basal metabolic rate for every degree above 38.0°C?

1. 5%

2. 10%

3. 15%

4. 20%

The correct answer is: 10%

When considering the impact of fever on basal metabolic rate (BMR), it is recognized that for every degree Celsius that body temperature rises above the normal threshold of 38.0°C, there is an increase in metabolic rate. This reaction is primarily due to the body's heightened immune response and the increased demand for energy to fight off infection or inflammation. The increase in BMR is quantified at approximately 10% for each degree Celsius above 38.0°C. This physiological adaptation allows the body to mobilize energy stores more efficiently and support the immune system's activities, which are intensified during febrile illnesses. Therefore, the correct answer reflects this established understanding of metabolism during fever. Alternative answers suggest different percentages, but the recognized value in clinical contexts and studies consistently corroborates the 10% increase at each degree above 38.0°C.