Where should a digital thermometer be placed when measuring a resident's temperature?

• A. In the mouth or underarm
• B. In the ear only
• C. On the forehead
• D. On the wrist

Answer: (A)

When using a digital thermometer, pick a site that provides a reliable reading while being safe and practical for the resident. The best choices are either the mouth (oral) or under the arm (axillary). Placing it in the mouth (under the tongue) gives a reading that closely reflects the body's core temperature when the resident can cooperate and there’s no eating, drinking, or smoking right before the measurement. Placing it under the arm is a safe, noninvasive alternative for residents who can’t keep the thermometer in the mouth; the arm should be held against the chest to keep the device in place until the reading stabilizes.

Other sites require different devices or procedures and aren’t appropriate for a standard digital thermometer. The ear, forehead, and wrist readings either use different technologies (like tympanic or infrared thermometers) or do not provide as reliable a temperature with a typical digital probe.