Question

Arrange the following set of operations while using a thermometer in proper sequence:
(a) Place the bulb of the thermometer inside the patient’s mouth, below the tongue for about 3 minutes.
(b) Remove the thermometer from its tube and look at the column of mercury to make sure it stands a few degrees below normal; shake down the column of mercury.
(c) Ask the patient to keep his mouth closed when the thermometer is in his mouth.
(d) Put the thermometer back in its tube.
(e) Remove the thermometer from his mouth and read the temperature.
Select the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. a>c>d>b>e
• B. a >b>d>c>e
• C. b>a>c>e>d
• D. b>c>a>e>d

Hint:

When arranging procedural steps, start with preparation, proceed through execution, and end with cleanup or storage.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understand the Problem.
We need to arrange the given operations into a logical sequence that reflects the proper steps for taking a patient's temperature using a thermometer. Let's analyze each step and determine the correct order. Step 2: Analyze Each Sentence.
(A) (a) Place the bulb of the thermometer inside the patient’s mouth, below the tongue for about 3 minutes.

- This is the step where the thermometer is placed in the patient's mouth to measure their temperature. It should come after preparing the thermometer and before reading the temperature. (B) (b) Remove the thermometer from its tube and look at the column of mercury to make sure it stands a few degrees below normal; shake down the column of mercury.

- This is the initial preparation step. The thermometer must be removed from its protective tube and shaken down to ensure the mercury level is below the normal range before use. (C) (c) Ask the patient to keep his mouth closed when the thermometer is in his mouth.

- This instruction ensures the thermometer remains in place during the measurement. It should occur immediately after placing the thermometer in the patient's mouth. (D) (d) Put the thermometer back in its tube.

- This is the final step, where the thermometer is stored safely after use. (E) (e) Remove the thermometer from his mouth and read the temperature.

- This step comes after the thermometer has been in the patient's mouth for the required time (about 3 minutes). The temperature is then rea(D) Step 3: Determine the Logical Sequence.
To form a coherent sequence, we need to follow these steps:
1. Prepare the thermometer: Ensure the mercury column is below normal by removing the thermometer from its tube and shaking it down. (b)
2. Place the thermometer in the patient’s mouth: Insert the thermometer under the patient’s tongue and ask them to keep their mouth close(D) (a, followed by c).
3. Read the temperature: After 3 minutes, remove the thermometer and read the temperature. (e).
4. Store the thermometer: Finally, put the thermometer back in its tube. (d).
Thus, the correct sequence is: \[ \text{\(b>a>c>e>d\)} \] This corresponds to Option (C)