How long should a nurse wait after taking cold milk for recording oral temperature?

Correct option is B

After drinking cold fluids like milk, oral temperature readings can be falsely low. It is advisable to wait for 10 to 20 minutes before measuring the oral temperature to allow the tissues inside the mouth to return to normal baseline temperature. This ensures accuracy in recording the patient's true body temperature.
Explanation of options:
· (a) 5 to 10 minutes: Too short a time for the oral tissues to stabilize after cold intake.
· (b) 10 to 20 minutes: Sufficient and recommended time for accurate oral temperature reading.
· (c) 20 to 30 minutes: Longer than needed; acceptable but not necessary.
· (d) 30 to 40 minutes: Unnecessarily long waiting time, not practical in clinical settings.