When should you document a temperature reading?

• A. Immediately after measurement in the resident's chart
• B. At the end of the shift
• C. Only if there is a fever
• D. Never, unless asked.

Answer: (A)

Documenting a temperature reading right after you take it ensures the chart shows the most current and accurate information. Recording the exact time of measurement and the value as soon as you finish protects against memory errors and data gaps, which is crucial for monitoring trends like fever onset or response to treatment. Prompt documentation also supports the care team during handoffs and decisions about when to escalate care, and it provides a reliable legal record of the resident’s status. Temperature data is important whether the reading is high, low, or normal, so it should be documented every time it’s taken rather than waiting until the end of a shift.