What is considered the normal rectal temperature for a client?

The normal rectal temperature for a client is generally considered to be around 99.6 degrees Fahrenheit. This measurement is typically higher than oral temperatures, which average around 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit, because rectal temperatures tend to reflect the body's core temperature more accurately. Thus, 99.6 degrees Fahrenheit aligns well with established medical standards as a normal threshold for rectal temperature, making it a key reference point in clinical assessments. Understanding this helps in recognizing fever or hypothermia based on temperature readings, which is essential for patient care in psychiatric settings and beyond.