ORAL TEMPERATURE: TAKING

Course overview

Taking an oral temperature is a way to estimate a patient’s core body temperature under normal circumstances and when illness may be present. Because oral temperature varies within a normal range, an ongoing record of an individual’s oral temperature is needed to document normal temperature values for that individual. This continuing education module is designed to give the reader/learner an increased understanding of how to take an oral temperature, including information on various types of oral thermometers, why an oral temperature is ordered, what will happen during the taking of the oral temperature, and how to evaluate below normal and above normal oral temperature readings. Readers may explore any or all of the topics. One contact hour of continuing education credit is available for those who successfully complete the post-test and evaluation form.