Final answer:
Mild hypothermia begins when core body temperature drops below 34.4 degrees C (94 degrees F). Controlled hypothermia is sometimes induced in clinical settings to reduce the risk of organ damage during surgeries like open-heart surgery.
Step-by-step explanation:
Mild hypothermia starts to set in when core body temperature drops below 34.4 degrees C (94 degrees F). At this point, the body's metabolic rate slows down, and if untreated, it can lead to more severe hypothermia and potentially life-threatening complications. Controlled hypothermia is sometimes induced in clinical settings, such as during open-heart surgery, where the body is cooled to 25-32°C (79-89°F) to reduce the risk of organ damage.