Advanced Patient Assessment Practice Exam

What are typical sites for temperature measurement?

1. Rectal and axillary

2. Oral, rectal, and axillary

3. Rectal, axillary, and fingertip

4. Oral and fingertip

The correct answer is: Oral, rectal, and axillary

The choice that includes oral, rectal, and axillary as typical sites for temperature measurement is accurate because these locations provide reliable assessments of body temperature. Oral temperature measurement is common and generally reflects core body temperature as long as the individual has not recently consumed food or drink, which can affect the results. Measuring temperature via the rectum is often considered the gold standard for core temperature, especially in young children or clinical settings where precise temperature is critical. Axillary measurement, while generally less reliable, is still widely used due to its convenience, particularly in outpatient settings or among those who may not tolerate oral or rectal methods. Choosing only one of these methods can lead to varying degrees of accuracy, making it important to understand the context in which each method is used and the implications of those differences. The inclusion of all three locations in the answer reflects a comprehensive approach to temperature assessment, providing practitioners with the flexibility to choose the most appropriate method based on the patient and the clinical situation.