Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Practice Exam 2026 - Free CNA Practice Questions and Study Guide

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How far should a rectal thermometer be placed into the rectum of an adult patient?

1/2 inch

1 inch

Placing a rectal thermometer correctly is important for accurate readings and patient safety. For an adult patient, the thermometer should be inserted about 1 inch into the rectum. This depth is sufficient to ensure that the thermometer reaches the area where the temperature can be accurately measured without causing discomfort or injury to the patient.

Inserting the thermometer deeper than 1 inch, like 2 or 3 inches, can increase the risk of injury to the rectal lining or other anatomical structures. Inserting it less than 1 inch, such as 1/2 inch, may not yield an accurate reading, as the thermometer might not be in the correct position to measure the core body temperature effectively. Thus, the recommended insertion depth of 1 inch strikes a balance between achieving an accurate measurement and ensuring patient safety.

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2 inches

3 inches

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