Which of the following actions is inappropriate when taking a patient's temperature orally?

Which of the following actions is inappropriate when taking a patient's temperature orally?

• A. Using a glass thermometer
• B. Placing the thermometer under the tongue
• C. Asking the patient to breathe through their nose
• D. Keeping mouth closed during reading

Answer: (A)

Using a glass thermometer orally is inappropriate primarily due to safety concerns. Glass thermometers can break easily, creating the risk of injury from broken glass or exposure to mercury, which is toxic. The use of mercury thermometers is increasingly being phased out in many healthcare settings in favor of safer, digital alternatives that reduce the risk of harm to both patients and healthcare providers. The other actions listed are appropriate practices. Placing the thermometer under the patient's tongue ensures accurate measurement as it allows for the device to capture the core body temperature. Asking the patient to breathe through their nose helps to keep the mouth closed, which is essential for an accurate reading, as open-mouth breathing can introduce cooler air and affect the temperature reading. Keeping the mouth closed during the reading is necessary to avoid airflow that can interfere with the measurement process.

Using a glass thermometer orally is inappropriate primarily due to safety concerns. Glass thermometers can break easily, creating the risk of injury from broken glass or exposure to mercury, which is toxic. The use of mercury thermometers is increasingly being phased out in many healthcare settings in favor of safer, digital alternatives that reduce the risk of harm to both patients and healthcare providers.

The other actions listed are appropriate practices. Placing the thermometer under the patient's tongue ensures accurate measurement as it allows for the device to capture the core body temperature. Asking the patient to breathe through their nose helps to keep the mouth closed, which is essential for an accurate reading, as open-mouth breathing can introduce cooler air and affect the temperature reading. Keeping the mouth closed during the reading is necessary to avoid airflow that can interfere with the measurement process.