A patient's oral temperature is 37°C. Then which of the following statements will be true?

Appeared in: GMCH - 2015

Explanation

Body temperature readings differ based on the measurement site.
Rectal temperature provides a reading closest to the body's core temperature and is typically 0.5°C (or about 1°F) higher than an oral temperature.
Given a baseline oral temperature of 37°C, the expected rectal temperature is calculated as 37°C + 0.5°C, which equals 37.5°C.

Option B: This is incorrect. Rectal temperature is higher than oral temperature, not lower. A reading of 36.5°C would be the expected axillary temperature, not rectal.
Option C: This is incorrect. Axillary temperature is typically lower than oral temperature due to measuring the skin surface, not the same.
Option D: This is incorrect. Axillary temperature is lower than oral temperature, not higher. A reading of 38°C would indicate a fever, even if taken orally.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Relationship between different body temperature measurement sites (oral, rectal, axillary) helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
It is a critical nursing responsibility to document the site of temperature measurement, as the interpretation of the reading (normal vs. febrile) depends on it.
For example, an axillary temperature of 37.5°C indicates a fever, whereas a rectal temperature of 37.5°C is within the normal range.
The choice of site depends on the patient's age, condition, and level of consciousness. Rectal is most accurate but contraindicated in neonates, and patients with diarrhea or rectal surgery.

How to Approach the Question

Identify the core concept being tested, which is the standard physiological differences between temperature readings from various body sites.
Recall the hierarchy of temperature readings: Rectal is highest (closest to core), followed by oral, with axillary being the lowest.
Apply the general rule of thumb: Rectal temperature is approximately 0.5°C higher than oral, and axillary temperature is approximately 0.5°C lower than oral.
Use the given oral temperature (37°C) as the baseline for your calculation.
Calculate the expected rectal temperature: 37°C + 0.5°C = 37.5°C.
Calculate the expected axillary temperature: 37°C - 0.5°C = 36.5°C.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Relationship between different body temperature measurement sites (oral, rectal, axillary).
Stem keywords: oral temperature, 37°C
Lead-in keywords: true

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E6 Nursing Fundamentals Taylor pp. 118-120, 122-124

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