Taking an oral temperature:
Place the tip of the thermometer under the tongue and close the mouth, wait 60 sec.
Taking an underarm temperature:
Wipe the thermometer with a dry towel and place the probe tip under the arm so the tip is touching the skin with the thermometer perpendicular to the body. Position the arm across the chest so the probe tip is well covered by the arm. Approximate measuring time: 2·3 minutes. Note: Axillary temperatures are generally 0.5?/1.0ºF lower than oral readings.
Taking a rectal temperature:
Apply a water-soluble lubricant to the probe cover. Gently insert the probe into the rectal cavity. Approximate measuring time: 1 minute. Note: Rectal temperatures are generally 0.5?/1.0ºF higher than oral