An AIDS patient's temperature has risen to 102 degrees. What percentage increase is expected in his BMR?

When the body temperature rises, it is known that the Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) increases as a physiological response to fever. This increase is generally quantified at about 7% to 10% for each degree Fahrenheit that the body temperature elevates above normal levels. Normal body temperature is commonly accepted at around 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit.

In this scenario, if the patient's temperature has risen to 102 degrees, that is an elevation of 3.4 degrees (from 98.6 to 102 degrees). To calculate the expected percentage increase in BMR:

1. Convert the temperature increase into Fahrenheit:

• 102°F - 98.6°F = 3.4°F.

2. Since the BMR is typically expected to increase by about 7% to 10% for each degree of temperature increase, multiplying this range for the 3.4-degree rise gives:

• For 7%: 3.4 * 7% = approximately 23.8%

• For 10%: 3.4 * 10% = approximately 34%.

This results in an estimated increase in BMR that typically falls between 24% and 36%, aligning closely with