The nurse is caring for a patient who becomes agitated when visitors stay for extended periods or the hospital unit becomes noisy. The nurse identifies this as sensory overload. Which interventions will be of benefit to the patient? (Select all that apply.)

Choice A reason: This is an incorrect choice because the axillary method is not the most accurate measurement of the core temperature. The axillary method involves placing a thermometer under the patient's armpit and measuring the temperature of the skin surface. This method can be affected by factors such as sweating, clothing, and ambient temperature. The axillary method can underestimate the core temperature by 0.5°C to 1.5°C¹.

Choice B reason: This is an incorrect choice because the oral method is not the most accurate measurement of the core temperature. The oral method involves placing a thermometer in the patient's mouth and measuring the temperature of the sublingual pocket. This method can be affected by factors such as eating, drinking, smoking, and mouth breathing. The oral method can underestimate the core temperature by 0.3°C to 0.8°C¹.

Choice C reason: This is the correct choice because the rectal method is the most accurate measurement of the core temperature. The rectal method involves inserting a thermometer into the patient's rectum and measuring the temperature of the rectal mucosa. This method reflects the temperature of the blood flowing through the core of the body. The rectal method is considered the gold standard for measuring the core temperature¹.

Choice D reason: This is an incorrect choice because the forehead method is not the most accurate measurement of the core temperature. The forehead method involves placing a thermometer on the patient's forehead and measuring the temperature of the temporal artery. This method can be affected by factors such as sweating, hair, and ambient temperature. The forehead method can overestimate or underestimate the core temperature by 0.5°C to 1°C¹.

Choice A reason: This is incorrect. Tramadol is not a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication. Tramadol is an opioid analgesic medication that works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord. It can relieve moderate to severe pain, but it does not have any anti-inflammatory effect.

Choice B reason: This is correct. Aspirin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication. Aspirin is a salicylate medication that works by inhibiting the enzyme cyclooxygenase, which is involved in the synthesis of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are chemical messengers that mediate inflammation, pain, and fever. Aspirin can reduce inflammation, pain, and fever, as well as prevent blood clots and protect the heart.

Choice C reason: This is incorrect. Acetaminophen is not a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication. Acetaminophen is a para-aminophenol medication that works by inhibiting the enzyme cyclooxygenase in the central nervous system, but not in the peripheral tissues. It can reduce pain and fever, but it does not have any anti-inflammatory effect.

Choice D reason: This is correct. Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication. Ibuprofen is a propionic acid medication that works by inhibiting the enzyme cyclooxygenase, which is involved in the synthesis of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are chemical messengers that mediate inflammation, pain, and fever. Ibuprofen can reduce inflammation, pain, and fever, as well as treat arthritis and menstrual cramps.

Choice E reason: This is incorrect. Codeine is not a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication. Codeine is an opioid analgesic medication that works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord. It can relieve mild to moderate pain, but it does not have any anti-inflammatory effect.