Which term is used when the mouth is used to take the temperature?

• A. Orientation
• B. Oral temperature
• C. Overbed table
• D. Oriented

Answer: (B)

Oral temperature is the term used when the mouth is used to take a temperature. This method involves placing a thermometer under the tongue and having the person keep their lips closed until the device signals. It’s quick, convenient, and generally accurate for cooperative adults and older children. To ensure a reliable reading, avoid taking an oral temperature after eating, drinking, or smoking within about 15 minutes, and don’t speak during the measurement. This route isn’t suitable for infants, someone who can’t keep the mouth closed, or someone with oral injuries; in those cases, other routes like axillary, tympanic, or rectal may be used. The other options don’t relate to temperature measurement—one refers to mental status, another is a piece of furniture, and the last describes awareness—so they’re not applicable here.