perature. Far too many nurses and physicians still base their interventions on these two assumptions. Are they valid? Are there variables that would affect these assumptions? A number of studies have been done on infants and newborns comparing the accuracy and safety of various temperature-taking sites. These studies indicate that in this age group rectal perforation and peritonitis are very real dangers when the rectal route is used(1-4). Very few studies, however, have examined temperature-taking sites in older children. While the physical dangers of rectal temperatures remain of primary importance, psychosocial considerations become added factors as children grow older. Toddlers and preschoolers object strenuously to removing their clothing and having intrusive procedures done. It is also difficult for parents to take rectal temperatures on wriggly babies, angry toddlers, and modest preschoolers. In spite of all these drawbacks, the rectal site continues to be preferred because it is thought to be most accurate.