In which patients should oral temperature measurement be avoided due to the presence of a nasogastric tube?

Oral temperature measurement should be avoided in patients with altered mental status primarily because these patients may have limited ability to cooperate with the procedure. They may not be able to hold the thermometer in the correct position or may accidentally displace the thermometer due to confusion or inability to comprehend instructions. Additionally, if they are at risk of airway compromise or might choke, oral measurement can pose a safety risk.

In patients with nasogastric tubes, there is also a concern that inserting a thermometer into the mouth could create discomfort or complications due to the presence of the tube, which may affect the accuracy of the reading or potentially lead to injury. Therefore, for safety and accuracy reasons, alternative methods of temperature measurement, such as axillary or tympanic methods, are preferable in these patients.

The other groups, such as aged individuals, children with fever, and those with facial injuries, might have their own considerations, but the primary risk in the scenario presented specifically relates to those with altered mental status, making them the most appropriate choice for avoiding oral temperature measurement.