Final answer:
The ideal rectal temperature is typically higher than the standard oral body temperature. An ideal rectal temperature is 99.6°F, which falls within the established normal rectal temperature range of 97.7-99.5°F. Variations from this range can indicate potential health issues.
Step-by-step explanation:
The ideal rectal temperature is often slightly higher than oral body temperature. According to research, the average normal body temperature is 98.6°F (37.0°C). However, for rectal temperatures, the normal range is considered to be 36.5-37.5 °C (97.7-99.5 °F). Hence, the ideal rectal temperature, which corresponds to the average within this range, would be around 99.6°F (A).
Variations in body temperature can indicate a variety of medical conditions. For instance, any rectal temperature significantly above the normal range could signal a fever or an infection, while temperatures below could suggest hypothermia. It is important to note that body temperature can be influenced by various factors, including the environment, activity levels, and the physiological differences among individuals.