Psychiatric Technician Practice Exam

Where should an aural thermometer be placed to accurately measure temperature?

1. Mouth

2. Rectum

3. Ear

4. Forehead

The correct answer is: Ear

An aural thermometer is specifically designed to measure temperature from the ear canal. It utilizes infrared technology to detect the thermal radiation emitted by the eardrum and surrounding tissue. This method provides a quick and accurate reading, making it ideal for assessing body temperature. The design of aural thermometers also contributes to their effectiveness; they are shaped to comfortably fit in the ear while ensuring that the sensor is positioned correctly to gather the appropriate data. The ear is an excellent site for temperature measurement because it is close to the brain’s core temperature, which reflects the body's internal temperature accurately. Other methods, such as using the mouth, rectum, or forehead, although valid for different types of thermometers, do not apply to the specific function of an aural thermometer. Each of these methods has its own thermometer type and technique, impacting the accuracy and appropriateness of the temperature reading depending on the situation.