Identify the item showing in below picture?

AIIMS Delhi NO - 2018

Nursing Foundation

Easy

Appeared in: AIIMS Delhi NO - 2018

Explanation

The image displays a disposable, single-use chemical dot thermometer.
This device is a thin, flexible plastic strip containing a matrix of chemically impregnated dots that change color at specific temperatures to show a reading.
It is designed for one-time use to prevent cross-infection, making 'Disposable thermometer' the most specific and correct identification.
The scale visible on the thermometer in the image ranges from 35.5°C to 40.4°C, which is typical for this type of device.

Option B: While technically a thermometer used in a clinical setting, 'Clinical thermometer' is a very broad term that also includes reusable digital, glass, and tympanic thermometers. 'Disposable thermometer' is a more precise and accurate description of the specific item shown.
Option C: A Snellen chart is a tool used by eye care professionals to measure visual acuity. It consists of rows of letters of decreasing size and has no function in measuring body temperature.
Option D: An alcohol thermometer is a type of glass thermometer that uses colored alcohol inside a sealed tube to indicate temperature. The item in the image is a flat, plastic strip with chemical dots, not a glass tube containing liquid.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Identification of Medical Equipment as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
The use of single-use, disposable items like this thermometer is a cornerstone of modern infection control and prevention in healthcare.
Nurses must choose the appropriate type of thermometer based on the patient's age, condition (e.g., confusion, oral surgery), and the clinical setting (e.g., isolation precautions).
What if? If a patient is in a protective isolation unit (neutropenic precautions), a disposable thermometer is the preferred choice to minimize the risk of introducing pathogens via medical equipment. Using a reusable thermometer would require stringent and often complex disinfection protocols between uses.

How to Approach the Question

First, carefully examine the image to identify key visual features. Note that the item is a thin, flat strip with dots and a temperature scale.
Analyze the question, which asks for the identification of the item.
Evaluate each option against your visual analysis.
Option A, 'Disposable thermometer', aligns with the single-use appearance of the plastic strip.
Option B, 'Clinical thermometer', is a broad category. Consider if a more specific option is available. The item is indeed a clinical thermometer, but 'disposable' is more descriptive.
Options C and D describe completely different items (a vision chart and a glass thermometer), which can be quickly eliminated based on the image.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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