What is the correct method for measuring oral temperature?

Measuring oral temperature accurately is crucial for assessing a patient's core body temperature, which can indicate fever or other health conditions. The correct method involves placing the thermometer under the patient’s tongue and instructing them to close their mouth. This position allows for effective heat transfer from the oral cavity to the thermometer, resulting in an accurate reading. The sublingual area, located under the tongue, provides a location that is well-suited for capturing the core temperature because it is close to the blood vessels and less subject to external environmental influences.

Other methods mentioned are less accurate for measuring oral temperature. Inserting a thermometer in the armpit generally produces a lower reading than oral temperatures, making it less reliable for accurate assessments of core body temperature. Measuring temperature in the ear can provide a quick reading but is typically classified as a tympanic temperature measurement, not oral. Forehead strip thermometers are used for screening purposes and are not considered precise for clinical temperature readings, as they are influenced by environmental factors and do not penetrate the skin sufficiently to provide a true core temperature. Thus, the method of placing the thermometer under the tongue represents the standard practice for obtaining an accurate oral temperature.