Which body temperature measurement method can be affected by oral intake prior to measurement?

Which body temperature measurement method can be affected by oral intake prior to measurement?

• A. Rectal
• B. Aural
• C. Oral
• D. Forehead

Answer: (C)

The oral method of measuring body temperature can be influenced by recent food or drink intake. This approach requires the thermometer to be placed under the tongue, where the reading can be altered if the person has consumed hot or cold beverages or food shortly before the measurement. The temperature of what has been consumed can raise or lower the oral temperature reading temporarily. In contrast, the rectal method is generally considered one of the most accurate for core body temperature and is not affected by oral intake. The aural method, which measures temperature through the ear, also bypasses oral intake effects. Forehead measurements using infrared technology detect surface temperature and are primarily influenced by environmental factors rather than recent oral intake. Therefore, the oral method is unique in being significantly affected by what has been consumed prior to taking the temperature.

The oral method of measuring body temperature can be influenced by recent food or drink intake. This approach requires the thermometer to be placed under the tongue, where the reading can be altered if the person has consumed hot or cold beverages or food shortly before the measurement. The temperature of what has been consumed can raise or lower the oral temperature reading temporarily.

In contrast, the rectal method is generally considered one of the most accurate for core body temperature and is not affected by oral intake. The aural method, which measures temperature through the ear, also bypasses oral intake effects. Forehead measurements using infrared technology detect surface temperature and are primarily influenced by environmental factors rather than recent oral intake. Therefore, the oral method is unique in being significantly affected by what has been consumed prior to taking the temperature.