Certified Clinical Medical Assistant CCMA Practice Test

At what time of day will a pt's body temp be at its lowest?

1. In the morning

2. In the afternoon

3. In the evening

4. At midnight

The correct answer is: In the morning

The body's circadian rhythm influences body temperature, leading to the lowest temperatures typically occurring in the early morning hours. This drop is linked to decreased metabolic activity as the body rests during sleep. In the morning, just before waking, the body temperature is often at its lowest point, making this the correct choice. As the day progresses, factors such as increased activity, metabolic processes, and environmental influences cause body temperature to rise. Therefore, body temperature in the afternoon or evening will generally be higher compared to the early morning. Midnight represents another overnight period but does not specifically denote the lowest temperature, as this often occurs just before waking.