CNA Practice Test
Vital signs and reportingQuestion 508 of 1700

What position helps an adult for a rectal temperature?

  1. Sitting upright on the toilet or the edge of the bed
  2. Standing next to the bed with the hands on the rail
  3. Prone, with the face pressed into the pillow
  4. Side-lying, with the procedure explained
Show answer

Correct answer: Side-lying, with the procedure explained

Older children and adults are assisted into a side-lying position.

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