What is the most accurate site for monitoring body temperature in the newborn?

• A. Tympanic
• B. Rectal
• C. Skin
• D. Axillary

Answer: (C)

The main idea here is to monitor newborn temperature in a way that is continuous, safe, and reliable for detecting trends. A skin temperature probe placed on the infant’s trunk provides that balance. It allows real-time, continuous readings with minimal risk, and when positioned correctly and calibrated for the infant, it tracks changes in core temperature well enough for monitoring purposes.

Rectal temperature, while close to core temperature, carries a risk of injury and is not ideal for routine monitoring in newborns. Tympanic measurements can be unreliable in neonates due to small ear canals and variability with ambient conditions. Axillary readings are useful but tend to be less accurate for core temperature and can be affected by positioning and technique. So, using a skin temperature sensor is the most practical and accurate option for ongoing monitoring in newborns.