Advantages and disadvantages of sites used for body temperature measuremets

oral

Advantages: accessible and convenient Disadvantages: thermometers can break if bitten. inaccurate if client has just ingested hot or cold food or fluid or smoked. could injure the mouth following oral surgery

tympanic membrane

Advantages: readily accessible reflects the core temperature very fast. Disadvantages: can be uncomfortable and involves risk of injuring the membrane if the probe is inserted too far. repeated measurements may vary right and left measurements can differ presence of cerumen can affect the reading

rectal

Advantages: reliable measurement Disadvantages: inconvenient and more unpleasant for clients difficult for client who cannot turn to the side. could injure the rectum presence of stool may interfere with thermometer placement

axillary

Advantages: safe and noninvasive Disadvantages: the thermometer may need to be let in place a long time to obtain an accurate measurement.

Tempral artery

Advantages: safe and noninvasive very fast. Disadvantages: requires electronic equipment that may be expensive or unavailable variation in technique needed if the client has perspiration on the forehead