Question

The nurse is teaching the family members of a school-age child how to accurately measure an oral temperature. What statement by the family member would indicate good understanding?

Answer 1

A statement showing understanding would mention proper timing after eating, correct placement of the thermometer under the tongue, and reading the temperature after the thermometer indicates completion.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement by the family member that would indicate a good understanding of how to accurately measure an oral temperature might be: "We should wait at least 15 to 30 minutes after eating or drinking before taking the temperature, make sure the thermometer is placed properly under the tongue, and close the mouth around it, then read the temperature once the thermometer signals that it's done." This shows they comprehend the importance of factors that can affect the measurement and the correct technique for an oral temperature reading.

When teaching family members to use a thermometer, it's essential to emphasize that accuracy is vital, especially when making real-world connections to health, like understanding when a fever may make a child too sick to attend school. Utilizing a thermometer with a low measure of uncertainty is crucial, as an uncertain reading could result in misdiagnosis or mismanagement of the child's condition.