State Tested Nursing Assistant (STNA) Practice Exam

Before taking the oral temperature of a client who has just finished a cold drink, how long should the nurse aide wait?

1. 10 to 20 minutes

2. 25 to 35 minutes

3. 45 to 55 minutes

4. At least 1 hour

The correct answer is: 10 to 20 minutes

The correct answer is that the nurse aide should wait 10 to 20 minutes before taking the oral temperature of a client who has just finished a cold drink. This waiting period is important to ensure that the temperature reading is accurate. When a person consumes a cold drink, it can temporarily lower the temperature of the oral cavity, leading to a reading that does not reflect the individual's true body temperature. By allowing 10 to 20 minutes for the temperature to stabilize, the nurse aide ensures that the reading obtained will more accurately reflect the client's core body temperature, which is essential for proper assessment and care. Waiting for longer periods, such as 25 to 35 minutes or longer, is unnecessary and could delay the assessments that need to be made, while less than 10 minutes may not be adequate for the temperature to return to a baseline level. Proper timing is critical in maintaining efficiency in care while ensuring patient safety and accurate measurements.