Why do temperatures vary between measurement oral, rectal, or axillary sites?
Core body temperature most closely approximates the temperature obtained through rectal measurement. Oral temperatures will generally run 1 degree lower than rectal temperatures. Axillary (under the arm) temperatures will generally run 1 degree below oral (2 below rectal). Remember, 98.6 is an average of the patient population. Your average body temperature might vary by up to 2 degrees from that.
Related Questions
- Does the thermometer require more time for an axillary (under the arm) temperature compared to oral or rectal temperatures?
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- Why do temperatures vary between measurement oral, rectal, or axillary sites?
