How to take an oral temperature correctly: the right technique for CNAs in Alabama

Understanding how to take an oral temperature correctly is a small skill with a big impact. For CNAs in Alabama, a reliable body temperature reading helps you spot changes early and keep residents safe. So, let’s walk through the right technique, why it matters, and a few practical tips you can carry into any shift.

Let me explain the simple but essential point

When you’re taking an oral temperature, the correct method is: place the thermometer under the tongue with a closed mouth for several seconds. That one little rule makes a world of difference.

Why a closed-mouth technique matters

• Consistency and accuracy: When the mouth stays closed, the thermometer isn’t getting blown on by outside air. Airflow can mess with the thermometer’s reading, giving you a number that’s not truly representative of what’s going on inside.

• Proximity to a reliable site: The area under the tongue sits toward the floor of the mouth, where it’s close to blood flow that reflects core body temperature. In other words, staying closed helps the device pick up a stable signal rather than a touchy, fluctuating one.

• Reducing noise in your readings: If a resident talks, breathes through the mouth, or sucks in air through the lips, you risk an inaccurate result. The “mouth closed” rule helps minimize those variables.

What to know about other methods

You’ll hear about other ways to measure temperature—armpit (axillary) or ear (tympanic), for example. They’re valid in some settings, but they aren’t the same as the oral method and will typically show different numbers. Here’s the quick contrast, so you aren’t surprised:

• Axillary (under the armpit): Safe and easy, but readings can be a little lower and less precise than oral, especially in anxious or uncooperative residents or those with sweating.

• Tympanic (in the ear): Quick and convenient, but readings can vary with earwax, ear shape, or the device’s fit. It can be affected if the person moved on the way you’re trying to take the measurement.

• Oral: Most accurate when you need a temperature that mirrors core readings and you’re able to keep the mouth closed and still.

A practical, step-by-step routine you can use

1. Prepare and explain: Wash your hands, gather a working thermometer, and tell the resident what you’ll do. A calm, brief explanation goes a long way—“I’ll place this under your tongue and you’ll keep your lips closed for a moment.” A little reassurance helps cooperation.

2. Check the thermometer: Ensure it’s clean and functioning. If it’s digital, make sure it’s ready to display a result. If it’s a traditional glass thermometer, confirm it’s not damaged.

3. Position the device correctly: Gently lift the resident’s chin with one hand and place the thermometer under the tongue toward the back, on either side. The goal is to feel the device resting comfortably against the underside of the tongue, away from teeth that might bite or press on it.

4. Close the mouth and stay still: Instruct the resident to close their lips around the thermometer, not biting it. Ask them to remain quiet and still for several seconds as the device works.

5. Read and remove: When the device signals it’s done, carefully remove it and read the result. Note the value and the time. If you’re using a digital thermometer, the screen will usually show the number quickly.

6. Document and communicate: Record the temperature in the resident’s chart and tell a nurse or supervisor if you notice any reading that’s unusually high or low for the resident’s usual pattern.

7. Clean up: After you’ve recorded the reading, clean the thermometer according to your facility’s protocol so it’s ready for the next use.

Key reasons to keep this method consistent in daily care

• Keeps care predictable: When you always use the same technique, you reduce guesswork for others who will check the resident later. A consistent method means less confusion during handoffs.

• Builds trust: Residents tend to feel more secure when they see a calm, practiced approach. The simple act of keeping the mouth closed fosters a sense of routine and safety.

• Supports early detection: Small changes in temperature can signal bigger problems. Accurate oral readings help the care team notice fever patterns, infections, or dehydration sooner rather than later.

Common missteps to avoid (so you don’t have to relearn later)

• Talking or moving during the reading: It throws off the measurement. If a resident needs to answer a question, pause the timing until they’re still.

• Letting air wash over the thermometer: A mouth open or a breeze from staff can alter the reading. Keep the mouth closed as directed.

• Chewing or biting the thermometer: This can damage the device and alter results. If a resident has a habit of chewing, you may need to reposition or use a different method if allowed by policy.

• Measuring right after hot or cold intake: Wait for a bit after drinking hot coffee or cold juice. Temperature readings can be temporarily skewed by recent intake.

• Not following device instructions: Some thermometers have specific wait times or placement tips. Always check the user guide and your facility’s protocol.

A quick note on Alabama care settings

In Alabama, as in many states, CNAs work closely with nurses to monitor residents’ vital signs. Temperature readings are particularly important in facilities with older adults who may be more vulnerable to infections or dehydration. The oral method is often the preferred routine when the resident can cooperate, but the care team will adjust if there are safety concerns or if the resident has mouth injuries, dental appliances, or significant cognitive or physical limitations. Flexibility matters—accuracy matters more.

Tying it back to daily realities

Think about your own morning routine for a moment. When you wake up, your body temperature isn’t a still photograph—it’s a small, dynamic signal that changes with activity, hormones, and how you’re feeling physically. The same idea holds in healthcare: a quiet, stable measurement under the tongue provides a snapshot that your team can trust. It’s a small action, but it supports big decisions about hydration plans, infection control, and comfort measures.

A few digestible talking points you can share with teammates

• The right method: Placing the thermometer under the tongue with the mouth closed for several seconds is the preferred oral technique.

• Why it matters: A closed mouth minimizes airflow interference and gives a reading that better reflects core temperature via nearby circulation.

• When to choose alternatives: If the resident can’t keep the mouth closed, or if oral measurement isn’t feasible due to health issues, switch to another approved method and document the rationale.

Real-life scenarios sprinkled with a touch of everyday wisdom

• Scenario 1: An elderly resident with dry mouth and a calm demeanor sits still while you place the thermometer. You guide them with a reassuring tone, remind them to stay quiet for the moment, and you get a clean, stable reading. You document it, and the nurse checks in for a quick follow-up.

• Scenario 2: A resident wears dentures. You remove or adjust them as required by your facility’s policy, proceed with the oral reading, and once finished, replace the dentures. The process still hinges on the mouth being closed, even with the extra step of managing the dentures.

• Scenario 3: A resident becomes restless. You pause, offer a brief explanation, ensure they’re comfortable, and try again when they’re ready. Your adaptability keeps the reading accurate and the resident feeling respected.

A friendly reminder about the bigger picture

Temperature measurement is more than a number. It’s a tool that helps caregivers tailor hydration, comfort, and medical responses. When you use the proper technique, you’re boosting reliability across the team and helping residents stay as healthy as possible.

If you’re ever unsure, here are simple questions to guide your next move

• Is the resident able to keep their mouth closed around the thermometer without discomfort? If yes, proceed with the oral method.

• Has the resident had recent hot or cold beverages, or smoked, or chewed gum? If so, wait as required by policy before taking a reading.

• Are there mouth injuries, appliances, or cognitive or physical barriers? If yes, switch to an approved alternative method and document your rationale.

A final thought

Small, precise actions accumulate into dependable, compassionate care. The technique you use for an oral temperature is a perfect example: it’s straightforward, but it carries a lot of weight. By keeping the mouth closed for several seconds, you’re not just taking a reading—you’re helping someone feel heard, safe, and cared for on every shift.

If you’d like, I can tailor a quick, printable checklist you can post near your station. It would cover the steps, the do’s and don’ts, and a reminder about when to switch methods. Either way, you’ve got this—one careful reading at a time.