A rectal thermometer should be inserted into the rectum of a preschooler

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

To obtain a rectal temperature,place the patient in either a side-lying or prone position on the caregiver's lap or place the patient on the back of the examination table and firmly grasp the feet with the nondominant hand.After lubricating the stub-tipped thermometer,insert it gently into the patient's rectum: 1/2 inch for newborns,3/4 inch for infants,and 1 inch for preschoolers and older patients.Hold the thermometer firmly between your fingers to avoid accidentally inserting it too far.

A Rectal Thermometer Should Be Inserted into the Rectum of a Preschooler