Which method of measuring temperature is generally considered less accurate?

The axillary method, which involves taking a temperature under the armpit, is generally considered less accurate compared to other methods. This is due to several factors, including the fact that temperature readings taken in the axilla can be influenced by external environmental conditions, such as room temperature, and the body’s own perspiration. As a result, the measurement obtained from the axillary method may not reflect the core body temperature as reliably as other methods, such as rectal, oral, or tympanic.

Rectal measurements are usually very accurate because they provide a direct reading of core body temperature. The oral method is also reliable, though it can be affected by factors like recent eating or drinking. Tympanic measurements can provide quick and relatively accurate readings since they measure the infrared heat emitted by the eardrum, reflecting core body temperature well. In contrast, the axillary approach can lead to lower readings and is often not recommended when precise measurement is necessary, such as in a clinical setting.