A nurse is going to take a patient's oral temperature. The patient has been drinking coffee. What action by the nurse is best?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Oral temperatures will be inaccurate if the patient has been drinking or eating hot or cold foods. The nurse instructs the patient not to continue drinking the coffee and returns in 30 minutes to take the temperature. Drinking room temperature water will not "even out" the patient's mouth temperature. The rectal route is not preferred by patients and should not be used in this situation. The nurse needs a temperature and so should not document that it was not obtained.

A Nurse Is Going to Take a Patient's Oral Temperature