According to the first law of thermodynamics, the energy of the universe is constant. Does this mean that E is always equal to zero

Scout feels ill one day before school. her mother puts a thermometer in her mouth and the temperature begins to climb to 100°f. what is happening between the cooler thermometer and scout's body? a) scout's body is applying a force to the particles in the thermometer. b) kinetic energy is being transferred from her mouth to the thermometer. c) potential energy is being lost by the thermometer and gained by scout's body. d) the potential energy stored in foods is converted to mechanical energy to raise the mercury in the thermometer.