Final answer:
The rectal thermometer is the most appropriate and accurate measure for assessing core body temperature in patients with suspected thermoregulation issues, despite the availability and convenience of infrared tympanic membrane sensors and other non-invasive methods.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most appropriate measure for a nurse to use in assessing core body temperature when there are suspected problems with thermoregulation is a rectal thermometer. Although other methods such as oral, temporal, and tympanic membrane sensors are commonly used, the rectal thermometer tends to provide the most accurate reflection of core body temperature, particularly in patients where the most precise measurements are needed, such as those with suspected thermoregulation issues.
Technological advancements have made tympanic membrane sensors, which use infrared astronomy technology borrowed from NASA to measure the temperature of the eardrum, a fast and non-invasive method that reduces the risk of cross-infection. Yet, when core body temperature needs to be measured with the highest degree of accuracy, especially in critically-ill patients, the rectal method is often preferred.
It is important to note that while non-contact methods like infrared ear thermometers provide rapid temperature readings and are more accurate than traditional alcohol thermometers, they may not always be the best choice when precision is paramount.
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