The nursing assistant uses an oral electronic thermometer on an adult client and observes that the temperature is 99.6°F. What action should the nursing assistant take first?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When temperature is measured orally, the normal range of temperatures is 97.6°F to 99.6°F. The nursing assistant should first chart the finding according to the facility policy. The temperature needs to be above or below the range to report to the nurse. The nursing assistant should determine when the client last chewed gum, had food or drink, or smoked before taking the temperature orally and not afterward. If the nursing assistant was caring for an older adult client, then a slight change in the temperature would be reported to the nurse. The scenario does not state that this is an older adult.

The Nursing Assistant Uses an Oral Electronic Thermometer on an Adult