Asked by Krutarth Patel on Jun 06, 2024
Verified
When assessing the temperature of newborns and children, the nurse decides to utilize a temporal artery thermometer. What is the rationale for the nurse's action?
A) It is not affected by skin moisture.
B) It has no risk of injury to patient or nurse.
C) It reflects rapid changes in radiant temperature.
D) It is accurate even when the forehead is covered with hair.
Temporal Artery Thermometer
A device used to measure body temperature by capturing the heat emitted by the temporal artery, located just beneath the skin of the forehead.
Radiant Temperature
The perceived temperature felt from the warmth or coolness of surfaces and objects in an environment, affecting thermal comfort.
Skin Moisture
Refers to the level of water content within the skin, which is essential for maintaining skin health and appearance.
- Acquire knowledge on the correct sites for vital sign assessment in patients varying by age and medical conditions.
Verified Answer
RP
Rashann ParkerJun 11, 2024
Final Answer :
B
Explanation :
The temporal artery thermometer is especially beneficial when used in premature infants, newborns, and children because there is no risk of injury to the patient or nurse. Temporal artery temperature is a reliable noninvasive measure of core temperature. However, it is inaccurate with head covering or hair on the forehead and is affected by skin moisture such as diaphoresis, or sweating. It provides very rapid measurement and reflects rapid changes in core temperature, not radiant temperature.
Learning Objectives
- Acquire knowledge on the correct sites for vital sign assessment in patients varying by age and medical conditions.