Free AAMA Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) Practice Question

An infrared tympanic thermometer is designed to measure the temperature inside the ear canal, which reflects the body’s core temperature, without the need to touch the patient. This is useful in preventing cross-contamination between patients. A digital thermometer requires contact with the patient and often measures temperature from peripheral body sites (oral, rectal, axillary) rather than core body temperature. A stethoscope is used for auscultation of heart, lung, and other body sounds but not temperature. A sphygmomanometer measures blood pressure, not temperature.