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When assessing the impact of smoking on health measurements, it's important to recognize how smoking can affect the body immediately after the act. If a patient has smoked, especially shortly before a health assessment, substances from the smoke can cause changes in physiological measurements.

In this context, waiting 15 minutes before taking an oral temperature is important because smoking can temporarily elevate the temperature due to the heat of the smoke and the chemicals inhaled. This elevation may give a misleading representation of the patient's true body temperature, which is crucial for accurate diagnostics and treatment. By allowing a 15-minute window for the body to return to its baseline temperature after smoking, the healthcare worker can ensure they are gathering a more accurate reading, which is essential for effective patient care.

Other measurements such as blood pressure, pulse rate, and respiratory rate can also be affected by smoking, but the guidelines specifically highlight the importance of waiting for oral temperature readings to ensure accuracy.