Question

The nurse is taking a patient's oral temperature. How should the nurse perform the procedure? The thermometer should be placed:

A. Under the tongue next to the frenulum of lower lip
B. Under the tongue in the posterior sublingual pocket
C. Between the tongue and the hard palate
D. Along the outer aspect of the lower molars and against the cheek

Answer 1

To accurately measure oral temperature, the thermometer should be placed under the tongue in the posterior sublingual pocket.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a nurse is taking a patient's oral temperature, the correct procedure is to place the thermometer under the tongue in the posterior sublingual pocket. This area provides a reliable indication of body temperature as it is rich in blood vessels and less affected by the ambient temperature. The procedure involves asking the patient to lift their tongue and positioning the thermometer under the tongue, ensuring it's in contact with the tissue. The patient should keep their mouth closed around the thermometer to avoid the influence of external air during the reading.