Jennie, an 18-month-old, has febrile otitis externa with distress; which temperature method is most appropriate?

Jennie, an 18-month-old, has febrile otitis externa with distress; which temperature method is most appropriate?

• A. Axillary
• B. Tympanic
• C. Oral
• D. Rectal

Answer: (A)

In a toddler with febrile otitis externa, avoid inserting a thermometer into the ear because the canal is inflamed and painful, and the reading can be unreliable. An oral thermometer isn’t practical for an 18-month-old who may not cooperate, and a rectal reading, while accurate, is invasive and distressing. The axillary route offers a safe, noninvasive way to assess fever in young children that is well tolerated, making it the most appropriate choice in this situation.

In a toddler with febrile otitis externa, avoid inserting a thermometer into the ear because the canal is inflamed and painful, and the reading can be unreliable. An oral thermometer isn’t practical for an 18-month-old who may not cooperate, and a rectal reading, while accurate, is invasive and distressing. The axillary route offers a safe, noninvasive way to assess fever in young children that is well tolerated, making it the most appropriate choice in this situation.