Answer:
1.The vital signs taken by the dental assistant that is not normal in the temperature results of the patient.
The normal temperature range is from 97 F to 99 F in adults. Any value obtained which is above 100F is considered as abnormal.
2. The likely cause of the abnormal reading is fever
The symptoms of the severe toothache includes the following:
fever (above 100F) and headache
sever pains when pressure is applied to the tooth.
swelling of gum surrounding the affected tooth.
3. The characteristics the assistance needs to keep in mind while using the digital thermometer is the timing of the thermometer. Digital thermometer reading is taken after 40 seconds of insertion. this is not so with the normal mercury thermometer.
4. The dental assistance needs to notify the dental doctor concerning the abnormal temperature of the old woman. this will help in further diagnosis to be carried out towards the treatment of the severe toothache.