Which factor produces a genuine increase in basal metabolic rate?
- A Fever ✓
- B Sleep
- C Hypothyroidism
- D Malnutrition
Correct answer: A. Fever
Explanation
Fever raises BMR by approximately 12 to 13% per degree Celsius rise in body temperature because of increased enzymatic activity and catecholamine drive. Sleep lowers BMR by about 10 to 15%, hypothyroidism reduces BMR by up to 40%, and prolonged malnutrition lowers BMR through loss of lean mass. Growth hormone and epinephrine also raise BMR, making fever the only correct option listed.
Reference: Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology, 14th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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