What it means
The thermometer tip goes into the pocket under the tongue, toward the back, with the lips closed around it. A normal adult oral temperature is about 36.5–37.5 °C (97.7–99.5 °F). It is a common route for alert adults and older children, but not for infants and young children, or for clients who are confused, have seizures, have had mouth surgery or cannot keep their lips closed.
For the nurse
Wait 15 to 30 minutes after the client has eaten, had a hot or cold drink, or smoked, since these change the reading. Use a new probe cover for each client.
Related terms
vital signs
The basic body measurements: temperature, pulse, breathing rate and blood pressure, often with oxygen saturation and pain.
hypothermia
A body temperature that has fallen below the normal range.
hyperthermia
A body temperature that is higher than normal because the body takes in or makes more heat than it can lose.