8.2 Temperature Measurement (INACE Skill)
Key Takeaways
- Oral temperature is the most common measurement method and an INACE tested skill
- Normal oral temperature: 97.6°F - 99.6°F; report above 101°F or below 96°F
- Wait 15 minutes after eating, drinking, or smoking before taking an oral temperature
- Place the thermometer in the sublingual pocket (under the tongue, toward the back)
- Do not use oral method for unconscious, confused, or mouth-breathing residents
- Always dispose of the probe cover without touching it and document immediately
Last updated: March 2026
Temperature Measurement (INACE Skill)
Measuring and recording oral temperature is one of the 21 mandated INACE performance skills. Body temperature reflects the balance between heat production and heat loss. An abnormal temperature can indicate infection, dehydration, or other medical conditions.
Temperature Measurement Sites
| Site | Normal Range | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oral | 97.6°F - 99.6°F (36.4°C - 37.6°C) | Most common; comfortable | Cannot use with confused, unconscious, or very young residents |
| Axillary (armpit) | 96.6°F - 98.6°F (35.9°C - 36.9°C) | Safe; non-invasive | Least accurate; takes longer |
| Tympanic (ear) | 98.6°F - 100.6°F (37°C - 38.1°C) | Fast; comfortable | Earwax can affect reading |
| Temporal (forehead) | 97.4°F - 100.1°F (36.3°C - 37.8°C) | Fast; non-invasive | Affected by ambient temperature |
| Rectal | 98.6°F - 100.6°F (37°C - 38.1°C) | Most accurate | Invasive; risk of injury; not routinely done by CNAs |
Oral Temperature Procedure (INACE Tested)
- Wash your hands and identify the resident
- Explain the procedure to the resident
- Ensure the resident has not eaten, drunk, or smoked in the last 15 minutes (these affect oral readings)
- Prepare the thermometer — digital thermometer with disposable probe cover
- Place the probe under the resident's tongue, toward the back on either side (sublingual pocket)
- Hold the thermometer in place or have the resident close their lips around it
- Wait for the beep (digital thermometer) — typically 30-60 seconds
- Read and record the temperature
- Remove and dispose of the probe cover without touching it
- Report abnormal findings to the nurse immediately
- Document the temperature, time, method (oral), and any abnormalities
Key Temperature Terms
| Term | Definition | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Hypothermia | Dangerously low body temperature | Below 95°F (35°C) |
| Normal | Expected body temperature range | 97.6°F - 99.6°F oral |
| Low-grade fever | Slightly elevated temperature | 99.6°F - 100.4°F |
| Fever (pyrexia) | Elevated body temperature | Above 100.4°F (38°C) |
| Hyperthermia | Dangerously high temperature | Above 104°F (40°C) |
When NOT to Take an Oral Temperature
Do NOT take an oral temperature if the resident:
- Has eaten, drunk, or smoked within the last 15 minutes
- Is unconscious or has altered consciousness
- Is confused or combative (risk of biting thermometer)
- Has had oral surgery or mouth injuries
- Is breathing through the mouth (inaccurate reading)
- Has a nasogastric tube or supplemental oxygen by mouth
- Is under 6 years old (use alternative method)
In these cases, use an axillary, tympanic, or temporal method as directed by the nurse.
Test Your Knowledge
Before taking an oral temperature, you should ensure the resident has not eaten, drunk, or smoked within the past:
A
B
C
D
Test Your Knowledge
A resident's oral temperature reading is 101.4°F. What should you do?
A
B
C
D