aFinal answer:
After drying the axillae, it is recommended to wait approximately 10-12 minutes before taking a temperature with an electronic thermometer to ensure an accurate reading, reflecting the time needed for the area to return to its natural temperature.
Correct option is c) 10-12 minutes
Step-by-step explanation:
The question pertains to the appropriate wait time after drying the axillae (underarm area) before taking a body temperature using an electronic thermometer. While the question does not provide a specific correct answer according to medical guidelines, in practice, to ensure an accurate reading, it's commonly recommended that a patient should wait for a short period to allow the area to return to its natural temperature after drying.
A usual recommendation is about 10-12 minutes, which matches option (c) in the provided choices. This wait time is analogous to allowing substances to reach thermal equilibrium as seen in the example of ice absorbing heat before its temperature increases. It's important when taking readings to ensure the local environment (in this case, the underarm) is not influenced by recent changes, such as drying with a towel.