Final answer:
Hypothermia in an adult is indicated by a rectal temperature below 95°F (35°C), which is below the normal body temperature range. It should be differentiated from controlled hypothermia, a medical procedure that deliberately lowers body temperature for therapeutic reasons.
Step-by-step explanation:
Hypothermia in an adult is recognized by a rectal temperature below 95°F (35°C). This is considered a dangerous decrease in an individual's core body temperature and can be life-threatening. It's important to note that the average normal body temperature is around 98.6°F (37.0°C) and hypothermia is classified when the temperature falls below 95°F. The hypothesis surrounding hypothermia is a scientific assumption that could be tested through medical investigation, particularly when analyzing the effects of temperature on the body's metabolic functions.
Controlled hypothermia, on the other hand, is a medical technique used to protect vital organs during certain surgical procedures, such as open-heart surgery or following a cardiac arrest. By deliberately reducing the body temperature, the metabolic demands of organs are decreased, which can minimize the risk of tissue damage.