Which sequence correctly describes the procedure for taking a rectal temperature with a clinical thermometer?

Which sequence correctly describes the procedure for taking a rectal temperature with a clinical thermometer?

• A. Wipe thermometer with alcohol, shake down thermometer, lubricate with petroleum jelly, gently insert and hold for 3 minutes, read.
• B. Shake down thermometer, lubricate with petroleum jelly, gently insert and hold for 3 minutes, read.
• C. Shake down thermometer, lubricate with petroleum jelly, gently insert and hold for 1 minute, read.
• D. Wipe thermometer with alcohol, shake down thermometer, lubricate with petroleum jelly, gently insert and hold for 1 minute, read.

Answer: (B)

The principal idea tested is how to obtain an accurate rectal temperature with a glass clinical thermometer. Start by resetting the thermometer—shake it down so the mercury or temperature scale returns to a low baseline. This ensures the next reading isn’t biased by a previous measurement. Then lubricate the tip with petroleum jelly to ease insertion and reduce discomfort. Gently insert the thermometer to a safe depth and hold it in place until the temperature stabilizes, which takes about three minutes for a classic glass thermometer. Finally read the temperature from the stabilized scale. Wiping with alcohol beforehand isn’t required as part of the measurement itself, and keeping the device in place for only one minute isn’t enough time for an accurate reading with a glass thermometer.

The principal idea tested is how to obtain an accurate rectal temperature with a glass clinical thermometer. Start by resetting the thermometer—shake it down so the mercury or temperature scale returns to a low baseline. This ensures the next reading isn’t biased by a previous measurement. Then lubricate the tip with petroleum jelly to ease insertion and reduce discomfort. Gently insert the thermometer to a safe depth and hold it in place until the temperature stabilizes, which takes about three minutes for a classic glass thermometer. Finally read the temperature from the stabilized scale.

Wiping with alcohol beforehand isn’t required as part of the measurement itself, and keeping the device in place for only one minute isn’t enough time for an accurate reading with a glass thermometer.