Question

a nurse is required to obtain the temperature of a healthy newborn who was placed in an open crib. which is the most appropriate method for measuring a newborns temperature?

• obtain the temperature orally.
• place electronic temperature probe in the midaxillary area.
• tape electronic thermistor probe to the abdominal skin.
• obtain the temperature rectally.

Explanation:

Identify the clinical goal

The objective is to determine the safest, most accurate, and standard method for measuring a healthy newborn's temperature in an open crib.

Evaluate the options

Using the Newborn Thermoregulation knowledge point:

• Oral measurement is impossible and unsafe for newborns.
• Rectal measurement carries a risk of rectal perforation and is not used routinely.
• Abdominal skin probes are used for continuous monitoring under radiant warmers, not for routine checks in an open crib.
• Axillary measurement is the standard, safest, and most appropriate routine method.

Select the correct option

Placing an electronic temperature probe in the midaxillary area is the recommended standard practice.

Answer:

• Obtain the temperature orally.
• Place electronic temperature probe in the midaxillary area. (Correct answer)
• Tape electronic thermistor probe to the abdominal skin.
• Obtain the temperature rectally.