Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) Practice Exam

Which term indicates the presence of fever?

1. Hypothermia

2. Pyrexia

3. Pyogenic

4. Pyrogenia

The correct answer is: Pyrexia

The term that indicates the presence of fever is pyrexia. A fever is typically defined as a temporary increase in body temperature, often due to an illness. It is a natural response of the body’s immune system to fight off infections or other diseases. Pyrexia specifically refers to this elevated body temperature, distinguishing it from normal body temperature and indicating that the body is responding to an infection or inflammatory process. The use of the term in medical settings allows healthcare professionals to communicate precisely about a patient’s condition. Other terms listed refer to different concepts: hypothermia denotes a condition where body temperature falls below the normal range, while pyogenic relates to the production of pus, and pyrogenia is not commonly used in medical terminology. Understanding these distinctions helps in accurately interpreting clinical language and determining appropriate diagnoses and treatments.