Wear gloves to take oral temp?

[dslpninla]

Do we wear gloves when taking an oral temp? I thought the study guide says yes due to risk for contact with oral secretions, but on the epn it says no. Im confused on which is correct?

[mcneillmama3, BSN, RN]

I'm confused too. I've got a CNA-1 manual out and it states to wear gloves if measuring an oral temp with a glass thermometer, but to use gloves if likely to come in to contact with secretion when using the digital thermometer. Why would you need to be gloved with a glass one, but not the digital one? Secretions are secretions, right? Also if you are washing your hands after contact with your client, isn't that the gold standard, the best method for preventing the spread of illness. I've never used gloves when measuring vital signs, unless it's for a rectal temp and I use contact precautions if a patient has a rash on their skin and I have to touch them to take a pulse or take a blood pressure.

[TLSpaz, ASN, RN]

Why would you need to be gloved with a glass one, but not the digital one? Because a glass thermometer has a plastic sheath that requires you to remove it with your fingers, whereas (in my experience, at least) digital thermometers have an "auto-eject" for removing the probe.