A nurse is obtaining the temperature of a newborn. Which of the following sites should the nurse use?

Rationale: A. Tympanic temperature measurement is not recommended for newborns because their ear canals are very small and curved, which can lead to inaccurate readings. Proper probe placement is also difficult in this age group. B. The axillary (underarm) site is the preferred and safest method for measuring temperature in newborns. It is noninvasive, reduces the risk of injury, and provides an acceptable estimate of core body temperature when proper technique is used. C. Although rectal temperatures are considered very accurate, they are not routinely recommended in newborns due to the risk of rectal perforation, especially in fragile neonatal tissues. It is also invasive and uncomfortable. D. Oral temperature measurement is not appropriate for newborns because they cannot reliably hold the thermometer in their mouth, and they lack the coordination needed for accurate measurement.