Clients who have undergone rectal surgery should have their temperatures taken by which method?

For clients who have undergone rectal surgery, it's essential to avoid taking temperatures rectally because it could cause discomfort, trauma, or complications at the surgical site. As a result, alternative methods of temperature measurement must be used.

The appropriate methods to take temperatures in this context include oral, axillary, tympanic, or temporal routes. Oral temperature is often reliable and non-invasive when the patient is alert and capable of holding a thermometer in their mouth. Axillary temperature, though less accurate, is safe and easy to perform. Tympanic and temporal measurements are non-invasive methods that provide quick results without risking any discomfort related to the surgical area.

Using alternative methods ensures patient safety and comfort while still allowing for effective monitoring of body temperature, which is an important aspect of post-operative care.