Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 94%
Simulated
Which patient should have the temperature taken orally rather than using a tympanic thermometer?
Correct answer
B
Rationale
The correct answer is B: A patient with bilateral middle ear infections. This patient should have the temperature taken orally rather than using a tympanic thermometer because the presence of bilateral middle ear infections can affect the accuracy of tympanic temperature readings. The inflammation and fluid in the middle ear can interfere with the tympanic membrane's ability to accurately measure temperature. Therefore, taking the temperature orally would provide a more reliable and accurate reading in this case.
Incorrect choices:
A: An unconscious, intubated patient - Tympanic thermometer can be used in this case.
C: An agitated patient who cannot follow directions - Tympanic thermometer can still be used effectively.
D: A patient with gastroenteritis who is vomiting - Tympanic thermometer can be used even if the patient is vomiting, as long as the ear canal is accessible.
Incorrect choices:
A: An unconscious, intubated patient - Tympanic thermometer can be used in this case.
C: An agitated patient who cannot follow directions - Tympanic thermometer can still be used effectively.
D: A patient with gastroenteritis who is vomiting - Tympanic thermometer can be used even if the patient is vomiting, as long as the ear canal is accessible.