Should you take an oral temperature on someone with an NG tube in place?

Taking an oral temperature on someone with a nasogastric (NG) tube in place is not advised. The presence of an NG tube can interfere with the accuracy of an oral temperature reading. This is due to several factors such as potentially affecting the placement and stability of the tube, the presence of cold or warm fluids in the stomach, and the fact that the presence of the tube may cause discomfort or gag reflex when attempting to place a thermometer in the mouth.

Moreover, an oral temperature measurement relies on proper placement of the thermometer under the tongue, and the tube located in the nasal passage can disrupt this process. For patients with NG tubes, alternative methods of temperature assessment, such as tympanic (ear) or axillary (armpit) measurements, are preferable and safer. Understanding these considerations emphasizes the importance of using appropriate techniques and tools tailored to the individual's medical needs and current interventions.