CNA Practice Test
Vital signs and reportingQuestion 503 of 1700

How do you position the ear for a tympanic temperature in an adult?

  1. Gently pull the outer ear down and toward the face
  2. Fold the ear forward so that the canal is closed
  3. Gently pull the outer ear up and back
  4. Push the ear toward the head to open the canal
Show answer

Correct answer: Gently pull the outer ear up and back

The ear canal is straightened by pulling up and back.

Source: Nursing Assistant (Reuter), 7.8: Skills Checklist- Oral Tympanic Axillary Rectal and Temporal Temperatures

Practice vital signs and reporting

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026