Question

The nursing assistant takes the temperature of an elderly client and finds it to be 100.6 degrees F. The client reports having just taken a sip of hot tea. Which of the following actions is appropriate?

A.The nursing assistants waits at least fifteen minutes before retaking the temperature.
B.The nursing assistant records the temperature in the chart.
C.The nursing assistant scolds the client for not letting her know beforehand.
D.The nursing assistant takes an axillary temperature instead.

Answer 1

The nursing assistant should wait at least fifteen minutes before retaking the temperature.

Step-by-step explanation:

The appropriate action in this scenario is for the nursing assistant to wait at least fifteen minutes before retaking the temperature. This is because the client has just taken a sip of hot tea which could artificially raise their body temperature. Waiting for fifteen minutes allows the temperature to return to its normal level before retaking it.

Keywords: nursing assistant, temperature, elderly client, hot tea, wait, fifteen minutes