Question

Expected axillary and tympanic temperatures are usually:

a) Lower than oral temperatures
b) Higher than oral temperatures
c) Equal to oral temperatures
d) Unrelated to oral temperatures

Answer 1

Axillary and tympanic temperatures are usually lower than oral temperatures. Accurate temperature measurement is essential for diagnosis as a high degree of uncertainty in thermometers can be problematic.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question pertains to the comparison of different methods for measuring human body temperature. Expected axillary and tympanic temperatures are typically a) Lower than oral temperatures. This is because the mouth, being closer to the body's core, generally provides temperatures that are slightly higher than those taken in the axilla (underarm) or ear (tympanum). When taking care of a sick child or assessing fever in any individual, having a precise and accurate thermometer is crucial as an uncertainty of 3.0°C could render the device useless for diagnosing hypothermia or hyperthermia accurately.

Answer 2

Axillary and tympanic temperatures are usually higher than oral temperatures, with axillary temperatures being slightly lower and tympanic temperatures slightly higher than the oral baseline (option b).

Step-by-step explanation:

Expected axillary and tympanic temperatures are usually (b) Higher than oral temperatures. Traditionally, oral temperature is considered to reflect core body temperature quite closely under normal conditions. However, axillary (armpit) and tympanic (ear) temperatures can be slightly higher. For a typical adult, axillary temperatures can be approximately 0.5 to 1 degree Fahrenheit lower than oral temperatures, whereas tympanic temperatures can be approximately 0.5 to 1 degree Fahrenheit higher.

Hence, the answer is option b.