What is a defining characteristic of hypothermia?

A defining characteristic of hypothermia is a core temperature below 95 degrees F. Hypothermia occurs when the body's ability to generate heat is overwhelmed by heat loss, resulting in a drop in the internal body temperature. This drop can impair physiological processes, leading to symptoms such as shivering, confusion, and slowed heart rate. Recognizing hypothermia is crucial as it requires prompt treatment to prevent severe complications or fatality.

Options reflecting a core temperature exceeding 98.6 degrees F are inconsistent with hypothermia, as this range represents normal body temperature. Similarly, core temperatures between 95 to 100 degrees F would also fall outside the hypothermic range, as hypothermia specifically mandates a core temperature below 95 degrees F to be diagnosed. The temperature range between 90 to 92 degrees F indicates more severe hypothermia but does not define the condition itself, reinforcing that the core temperature must be below 95 degrees F for a diagnosis of hypothermia.