How should temperature be measured with a digital thermometer?

• A. Place in the designated site (oral, underarm, or as policy allows) and read when the beep.
• B. Place in the ear canal and read.
• C. Place in the designated site (oral, underarm, or as policy allows), wait for reading, and record.
• D. Shake it vigorously before use.

Answer: (C)

Using a digital thermometer correctly means placing the probe in the approved site (oral, underarm, or as your facility allows), waiting for the device to finish the measurement, and then recording the temperature in the patient’s chart. The reading should be taken only after the device signals that it’s complete, and documenting the result ensures the information is available for monitoring trends and informing care. Shaking the thermometer or using a different site without the proper device or policy can lead to inaccuracy or unsafe practice, so follow the designated site and document everything.