UNAR Vital Signs Measurement 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which thermometer site provides the most accurate core body temperature reading?
- Axillary
- Oral
- Rectal (Correct answer)
- Tympanic
Correct answer: Rectal
Rectal temperature is considered the most accurate because it measures internal core body temperature directly.
Question 2: A CNA is measuring a resident's axillary temperature. How long should the thermometer be held in place when using a glass thermometer?
- 1 minute
- 3 minutes
- 10 minutes
- 5 minutes (Correct answer)
Correct answer: 5 minutes
An axillary (underarm) temperature with a glass thermometer requires approximately 5 minutes to get an accurate reading.
Question 3: When taking a rectal temperature, the CNA should insert the lubricated thermometer probe approximately how far into the rectum for an adult?
- 1/2 inch
- 1 inch (Correct answer)
- 2 inches
- 3 inches
Correct answer: 1 inch
For an adult, the thermometer should be inserted about 1 inch (2.5 cm) into the rectum to obtain an accurate temperature.
Question 4: A tympanic thermometer measures temperature at which location?
- Under the tongue
- The eardrum (tympanic membrane) (Correct answer)
- The armpit
- The forehead
Correct answer: The eardrum (tympanic membrane)
A tympanic thermometer measures infrared heat energy from the tympanic membrane (eardrum) to estimate core body temperature.
Question 5: Before taking an oral temperature, the CNA should wait at least how long after the resident has had hot or cold liquids?
- 5 minutes
- 10 minutes
- 15 minutes (Correct answer)
- 30 minutes
Correct answer: 15 minutes
The CNA should wait at least 15 minutes after the resident consumes hot or cold liquids before taking an oral temperature to ensure accuracy.
Question 6: Which resident would be most appropriate for an axillary temperature measurement instead of oral?
- A resident who is sleeping
- A resident with a hip replacement
- A confused resident who cannot hold the thermometer under their tongue safely (Correct answer)
- A resident who has had recent abdominal surgery
Correct answer: A confused resident who cannot hold the thermometer under their tongue safely
A confused or uncooperative resident who cannot safely hold a thermometer under the tongue should have their temperature taken axillary to prevent injury.
Question 7: When documenting a rectal temperature, the CNA should note the reading followed by which letter to indicate the site?
- O
- A
- T
- R (Correct answer)
Correct answer: R
The letter 'R' is recorded after a rectal temperature reading to indicate the measurement site (e.g., 99.6°F R).
UNAR Vital Signs Measurement 2
Which thermometer site provides the most accurate core body temperature reading?