Mental Health Technician Certification (AMCA) Practice Test

Where is a tympanic temperature measured?

1. Under the arm

2. In the mouth

3. In the ear

4. In the rectum

The correct answer is: In the ear

A tympanic temperature is measured in the ear. This method utilizes infrared technology to detect the temperature of the eardrum, which is closely related to the body's core temperature. The ear is an effective site for temperature measurement due to its proximity to the brain's hypothalamus, allowing for a quick and accurate reading. Tympanic thermometers are designed for ease of use and provide results in a matter of seconds, making them a convenient option for both clinical and home settings. Other methods like measuring under the arm or in the mouth involve a different approach and can have various factors that might influence the accuracy of the readings, such as ambient temperature or the modality of temperature taking. Rectal measurements are often used for accuracy in infants or in clinical settings, but they are not as quick or easy as tympanic measurements. Hence, measuring temperature in the ear remains a widely accepted and efficient method.