The nurse needs to measure the temperature of a client who has a histo

The nurse needs to measure the temperature of a client who has a history of heart disease and has eaten a bowl of vegetable soup 45 minutes ago. Which site should the nurse use?

1. Axilla
2. Oral
3. Popliteal
4. Rectal

ANSWER

Correct Answer: 2
Rationale 1: The axilla is the preferred site for newborns, not adults.
Rationale 2: Body temperature is frequently measured orally even if the client has eaten or drank something cold or hot. One only needs to wait 30 minutes, and then this site can be used.
Rationale 3: The popliteal site would not be used given the history of heart disease. There could be circulatory issues that might affect accurate reading because this site is much farther away from the heart.
Rationale 4: The rectal site would be contraindicated in this client given the history of heart disease. With the diagnosis of heart disease, the nurse would need to assess for the presence of hemorrhoids.