What is the recommended action before taking a patient's oral temperature?

Taking a patient's oral temperature requires careful consideration of several factors to ensure accuracy. One of the most crucial points is to ensure that the patient has not ingested anything hot or cold in the last 15 minutes. This is important because consuming food, beverages, or even engaging in activities such as smoking can alter the temperature of the mouth and lead to inaccurate readings. If a patient has recently consumed something hot, the oral temperature may be falsely elevated, while something cold could result in a falsely low reading.

By waiting at least 15 minutes after ingestion, you allow the oral cavity to return to its baseline temperature, which provides a more accurate measurement when you take the temperature. This practice is a standard precaution in clinical settings and is vital for obtaining reliable data for patient assessment and care decisions.