Florida Nursing Assistant Competency Pracrice Exam

Which temperature measurement method is considered the least accurate?

1. Rectal temperature

2. Oral temperature

3. Tympanic temperature

4. Armpit temperature

The correct answer is: Tympanic temperature

The least accurate temperature measurement method among the options provided is armpit temperature. This method, also known as axillary temperature measurement, tends to yield lower readings compared to other methods such as rectal, oral, or tympanic temperatures. The armpit is a less stable environment for measuring body temperature because it is influenced by external factors such as ambient temperature and individual variations in sweat or skin moisture, which can affect the precision of the reading. In contrast, rectal temperature provides the most accurate core body temperature, while oral temperature offers a good balance between accuracy and ease of use. Tympanic temperature is generally reliable as well, particularly for quick measurements, as it assesses the heat radiating from the eardrum. Therefore, when precision in temperature readings is necessary, the armpit method is not the preferred choice, as it does not provide as reliable a figure as the other methods.