What is the appropriate technique for taking an oral temperature?

Taking an oral temperature using the appropriate technique is crucial for obtaining an accurate reading. The correct method involves placing the thermometer under the tongue with the patient's mouth closed. This technique ensures that the thermometer is in contact with the sublingual artery, which provides a reliable reading of the body's core temperature.

Having the mouth closed minimizes the influence of outside air and ensures that the temperature of the oral cavity is stable during the measurement. This consistency is why the technique that specifies a closed mouth is essential for accurate readings in a clinical setting.

Using an open mouth can lead to inaccurate results due to airflow affecting the thermometer's measurement. Other methods, such as measuring temperature in the armpit or ear, represent different techniques for assessing body temperature, but they are not considered oral temperature measurements and would yield different readings.