Final answer:
The nurse should ensure the armpit is dry when taking an axillary temperature on an infant to ensure accuracy. The thermometer should be placed in the center of the armpit and held steadily. Accurate temperature reading with low uncertainty is crucial for correct assessment.
The correct answer is options c) Ensuring the armpit is dry.
Step-by-step explanation:
When assessing an axillary temperature on an infant with an electronic (multiple-use) thermometer, a nurse should consider ensuring the armpit is dry. It's important that the skin is not damp as this may affect the accuracy of the reading.
The thermometer should be placed in the center of the armpit and the arm should be held close to the body to make sure that the thermometer stays in place and that the ambient temperature does not influence the reading.
Unlike other methods, using an axillary thermometer does not require setting the device to a higher temperature nor placing it at an angle, nor does it require a reduced duration of placement.
It is critical to use a device with low uncertainty in measurement, as a high uncertainty can lead to misinterpretation of a patient's health status. For example, a thermometer with an uncertainty of 3.0°C could imply a range that includes both hypothermic and feverish conditions, which would not be acceptable in clinical practice.
The correct answer is options c) Ensuring the armpit is dry.