Advanced Patient Assessment Practice Exam

Which of the following is the method of choice for measuring temperature in neonates?

1. Oral

2. Rectal

3. Tympanic

4. Axillary

The correct answer is: Axillary

The recommended method for measuring temperature in neonates is typically through the axillary route. This choice is based on the fact that measuring temperature axillary is non-invasive and comfortable for the infant, making it a more suitable option in a clinical setting. For neonates, whose thermoregulation is not fully developed, it's crucial to avoid methods that could be potentially harmful or distressing. While rectal temperature measurement is often seen as the gold standard for accuracy in other age groups, it carries a higher risk of injury or infection in neonates and can be uncomfortable, leading to the preference for the axillary approach. Oral and tympanic methods are generally not appropriate for neonates. Oral measurement involves the ability to hold the thermometer in place, which neonates might not be able to do reliably. Tympanic methods, while quick, can yield inaccurate results due to the small ear canal size and potential for improper placement in tiny ears. In summary, the axillary method provides a good balance of safety, ease of use, and adequate reliability for tracking the temperature in neonates, making it the method of choice in clinical practice.