CNA Certification (Written Exam)Basic Nursing SkillsMedium
A nurse aide is taking a resident's rectal temperature. Which of the following readings would be considered within the normal range for an adult?
- A97.2°F (36.2°C)
- B100.2°F (37.9°C)
- C99.6°F (37.6°C)
- D98.0°F (36.7°C)
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. 99.6°F (37.6°C)
Normal rectal temperature is typically 0.5°F to 1.0°F (0.3°C to 0.6°C) higher than oral temperature, which averages 98.6°F (37°C). Therefore, 99.6°F (37.6°C) falls within the expected normal range for a rectal temperature.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This is below the normal range for any core body temperature, including rectal.
- B. This temperature is slightly elevated and would generally be considered a low-grade fever for a rectal reading.
- D. This is within the normal oral range, but too low for a typical rectal temperature.
Normal Rectal Temperature Range
The normal range for an adult's rectal temperature is typically 98.6°F to 100.6°F (37.0°C to 38.1°C), which is slightly higher than oral temperatures.
- Rectal temperature is considered a core body temperature.
- It is usually 0.5-1.0°F higher than oral temperature.
- Average oral temp is 98.6°F (37.0°C).
Memory trick: Rectal is Raised, Oral is Ordinary, Axillary is Absent.