Colorado CNA Practice Exam

Which of the following statements is true of taking rectal temperatures?

1. The nursing assistant must hold on to the thermometer at all times while taking a rectal temperature

2. The nursing assistant should use an axillary thermometer for taking rectal temperatures

3. Rectal temperatures are taken using a blood pressure cuff

4. Rectal temperatures are always lower than oral temperatures

The correct answer is: The nursing assistant must hold on to the thermometer at all times while taking a rectal temperature

When taking a rectal temperature, it is essential for the nursing assistant to hold onto the thermometer at all times to ensure it stays in place and provides an accurate reading. This helps prevent the thermometer from shifting or slipping out during the process, which can result in an incorrect reading. Therefore, option A is the correct statement regarding taking rectal temperatures. Options B, C, and D are incorrect: B. Using an axillary thermometer for rectal temperatures is incorrect because axillary thermometers are specifically designed for measuring temperatures in the armpit, not the rectum. C. Rectal temperatures are not taken using a blood pressure cuff. A blood pressure cuff is used to measure blood pressure, not body temperature. D. Rectal temperatures are not always lower than oral temperatures. In fact, rectal temperatures are usually higher than oral temperatures by about 0.5 to 0.7 degrees Fahrenheit because they more accurately reflect core body temperature.