A client's axillary temperature is 100.8°F. The nurse realizes this is outside normal range for this client, and that axillary temperatures do not reflect core temperature
What should the nurse do to obtain a good estimate of the core temperature?
a. Add 1°F to 100.8°F to obtain an oral equivalent.
b. Add 2°F to 100.8°F to obtain a rectal equivalent.
c. Obtain a rectal temperature reading.
d. Obtain a tympanic membrane reading.
C
Rectal temperatures are most reliable and most accurately reflect the core temperature. Body temperatures, from lowest to highest, are axillary, oral, rectal, and tympanic. For oral, axillary, and rectal temperatures, there is a 1°F degree difference between each site and the next higher one. However, mathematical conversions between sites are not reliable and should be used only when a rough estimate is needed—for instance, to decide whether a reading needs to be validated by another site or another thermometer. Tympanic membrane readings are considered by most to be the least accurate and least reliable.
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