What should a CNA do when taking a patient’s temperature with a digital thermometer?

Placing the probe under the patient's tongue and waiting for the reading to stabilize is the appropriate action when using a digital thermometer. This method ensures an accurate reading of the patient's core body temperature, as under the tongue provides a reliable site. The digital thermometer typically takes a few moments to get a stable and accurate measurement, which is crucial for assessing a patient's temperature properly.

Other methods, such as pressing the button and immediately removing the probe, would not give enough time for the thermometer to provide an accurate reading, potentially leading to misleading results. Waiting for 5 minutes is excessive for digital thermometers, which are designed to provide a reading much quicker. Lastly, placing the probe under the armpit is a valid method for temperature measurement but it is less commonly used and often yields a lower temperature reading compared to oral measurements. The choice of using the mouth for temperature checks aligns with the best practices for obtaining accurate body temperature readings in a clinical setting.