Final answer:
When obtaining an oral temperature measurement in a child, the nurse should ensure that the child is not consuming hot or cold foods or drinks, has not engaged in physical activity, properly position the thermometer under the tongue, instruct the child to keep their mouth closed, avoid biting or swallowing the thermometer, and record the temperature accurately.
Step-by-step explanation:
When obtaining an oral temperature measurement in a child, the nurse should follow certain important steps to ensure accuracy. First, the nurse should ensure that the child has not consumed any hot or cold drinks or food in the past 15-20 minutes, as this can affect the temperature reading. The nurse should also make sure that the child has not engaged in any physical activity that could increase their body temperature.
Next, the nurse should properly position the thermometer under the child's tongue and instruct them to keep their mouth closed for the duration of the measurement, usually about a minute. The nurse should also ensure that the child does not bite or swallow the thermometer. Finally, the nurse should record the temperature accurately and make note of any additional relevant information, such as the time and date of the measurement.