It has been shown that aiming for higher core temperatures within the range of 37.6 to 38.2°C, or 37.5 to 38.5°C, may be normal in infants without signs of overwarming. Which range best reflects this guidance?

• A. 36.8 to 37.8°C
• B. 37.6 to 38.2°C
• C. 39.0 to 39.5°C
• D. 38.5 to 39.0°C

Answer: (B)

In neonates, a slightly higher normal temperature is possible without signs of overheating, so clinicians recognize a narrow higher range as still normal. The guidance points to a window around 37.6 to 38.2°C as the best reflection of this, since it sits in that higher-normal zone without indicating fever. Temperatures lower than this range are not capturing the higher-normal concept, while temperatures well above this window (such as 39.0–39.5°C) would suggest fever, and 38.5–39.0°C is outside the specified normal window. So 37.6 to 38.2°C best fits the described guidance.