The nurse needs to assess the temperature of a 12-month-old infant. Which site should the nurse use for this assessment?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Thermometers that assess tympanic membrane temperature are ideal for assessment in children because they register within 2 seconds and therefore cause less fear because a child only has to be restrained for a few seconds. The axilla is the preferred site for temperature assessment for a newborn. The baby is too young to be able to keep an oral thermometer in the mouth. It is not necessary to use the rectum to measure the temperature on this child. This approach is too intrusive.

The Nurse Needs to Assess the Temperature of a 12-Month-Old