When using a tympanic device to obtain a patient's body temperature, you should:

A) be aware of extrinsic factors that can skew the reading.
B) hold the device in the patient's ear for 30 to 60 seconds.
C) irrigate any wax from the ear with lukewarm water first.
D) ensure that the patient is in a laterally recumbent position.

Answer: A) be aware of extrinsic factors that can skew the reading.