A client who has experienced prolonged exposure to the cold is admitted to the hospital. Which method of taking a temperature would be most appropriate for this client? 1) Axillary with an electronic thermometer 2) Oral with a glass thermometer 3) Rectal with an electronic thermometer 4) Tympanic with an infrared thermometer Answer: 3) Rectal with an electronic thermometer Rationale: The rectal route is the most accurate for assessing core temperature, especially when it is critical to get an accurate temperature. Therefore, in this situation it is preferred. Temperature is a particularly relevant data point for this client with hypothermia as it indicates the patients baseline status and response to treatment. The electronic thermometer is safer than glass and is relatively accurate. Mercury thermometers are no longer used in the hospital setting. The accuracy of tympanic thermometers is debatable.
Posted on: Thu, 25 Dec 2014 09:31:13 +0000
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