Home › CNA Practice Tests › Basic Nursing Skills Questions › Question 11
Before taking an axillary temperature, the nursing assistant notices the resident's armpit is moist with perspiration. What should the assistant do?
- A.Place the probe over the wet skin anyway
- B.Add two degrees to correct for the moisture
- C.Pat the armpit dry before placing the probe
- D.Skip drying and hold the probe in the air
Correct answer
C. Pat the armpit dry before placing the probe
Why
Moisture in the armpit can cool the skin and lower the reading, so the area should be patted dry first. The probe is then placed in the center of the axilla with the arm held close to the body.
Content outline: Basic Nursing Skills - Vital Signs: Temperature · From the Basic Nursing Skills practice bank (BN-011).