Galen Fundamentals of Nursing Practice Exam 2026 – All-in-One Study Guide

Hyperthermia is the term for an abnormally high body temperature. It describes a temperature rise that results from heat produced or heat absorbed exceeding the body's ability to dissipate it, such as in hot environments or with excessive physical exertion. This differs from fever (pyrexia), where the hypothalamic set point is raised in response to infection or illness, causing the body to heat up to a new target temperature. Hypothermia, of course, is a temperature below normal. So for a plain description of an abnormally high temperature, hyperthermia is the best fit.