Final answer:
A rectal temperature should be taken for a patient who has nasal packing, as other conditions or treatments like external hemorrhoids or gastrostomy feeding tubes may contraindicate rectal measurements.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nurse should take a rectal temperature of a patient who has nasal packing. When a patient has a condition or treatment that contraindicates the use of other sites for temperature measurement, a rectal temperature may be appropriate. For instance, a patient with an arm in a cast may still use the other arm for an oral or axillary temperature, while external hemorrhoids or a gastrostomy feeding tube might make a rectal temperature measurement painful or impractical. However, nasal packing does not affect the use of the rectum for temperature measurement, making it a suitable site.
It's important to note that rectal temperatures should be used cautiously as they may cause discomfort and could potentially transmit infection if not done properly. Alternative methods like oral, axillary, or tympanic membrane temperatures might be considered based on the clinical situation and patient comfort.