The patient requires routine temperature assessment but is ...

[joesmith1212]

The patient requires routine temperature assessment but is confused, easily agitated, and has a history of seizures. Which route will the nurse use to obtain the patient's temperature?
 
  a. Oral
  b. Rectal
  c. Axillary
  d. Tympanic

Question 2

A patient is pyrexic. Which piece of equipment will the nurse obtain to monitor this condition?
 
  a. Stethoscope
  b. Thermometer
  c. Blood pressure cuff
  d. Sphygmomanometer

[kjo;oj]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
The tympanic route is easily accessible, requires minimal patient repositioning, and often can be used without disturbing the patient. It also has a very rapid measurement time. Oral temperatures require patient cooperation and are not recommended for patients with a history of seizures. Rectal temperatures require positioning and may increase patient agitation. Axillary temperatures need long measurement times and continuous positioning. The patient's agitation state may not allow for long periods of attention.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
Pyrexia, or fever, occurs because heat loss mechanisms are unable to keep pace with excess heat production, resulting in an abnormal rise in body temperature; therefore, a thermometer is needed. A stethoscope is not used to take a temperature but can be used for apical pulse and blood pressure. A pulse oximeter is used to determine oxygen content in the blood. A sphygmomanometer and blood pressure cuff is used to determine blood pressure and will be used for blood pressure problems.

[joesmith1212]

Thank you!

[kjo;oj]

Always glad to help...