Test Yourself: List in the Correct Order – Answers

The steps are listed in the correct order for each of the following techniques. These are printable flashcards to help you memorize and practice the techniques.

Oral Temperature Technique

1. Remove the probe from the device and place a probe cover (from the box) on the oral thermometer without touching the cover with your hands
2. Place the thermometer in the mouth under the tongue in the posterior sublingual pocket (slightly off-centre) and instruct the client to keep mouth closed and not to bite on the thermometer
3. Remove the thermometer when the device beeps
4. Note the temperature on the digital display of the device
5. Discard the probe cover in the garbage (without touching the cover)
6. Place the probe back into the device

Tympanic Temperature Technique

1. Remove the tympanic thermometer from the casing and place a probe cover (from the box) on the thermometer tip without touching the cover with your hands
2. Turn the device on
3. For an adult or older child, gently pull the helix up and back to visualize the ear canal. For an infant or younger child (under 3), gently pull the lobe down
4. Gently insert the probe into the opening of the ear
5. Activate the device
6. Note the temperature on the digital display of the device
7. Discard the probe cover in the garbage (without touching the cover) and place the device back into the holder

Axillary Temperature Technique

1. Remove the probe from the device and place a probe cover (from the box) on the thermometer without touching the cover with your hands
2. Ask the client to raise the arm away from his/her body
3. Place the thermometer in the client’s armpit as high up as possible into the axillae on bare skin, with the point facing behind the client, and ask the client to lower arm
4. Note the temperature on the digital display of the device
5. Discard the probe cover in the garbage (without touching the cover) and place the probe back into the device

Rectal Temperature Technique

1. Ensure the client’s privacy and wash your hands and put on gloves
2. Position the client appropriately
3. Remove the probe from the device and place a probe cover on it
4. Lubricate the cover with a water-based lubricant
5. Gently insert the probe 2–3 cm inside the rectal opening of an adult, or less depending on the size of the client
6. Note the temperature on the digital display of the device when it beeps
7. Discard the probe cover in the garbage (without touching the cover) and place the probe back into the device
8. Remove your gloves and wash your hands