There is essentially no risk. There is a rare risk of bowel perforation if the rectal thermometer is not carefully inserted.
Review Date: 9/15/2004
Reviewed By: A.D.A.M. editorial. Previously reviewed by David Webner, M.D., Department of Family Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network (5/23/2003).
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