No question is foolish or unimportant. Your doctor is there to answer all your questions. Check to make sure the mercury is below 96 degrees F. Place the tip of the thermometer under the arm pit making sure that it is in contact with both the skin on the arm and the skin of the chest. Hold the arm down next to the side of the chest keeping the thermometer under the arm. Keep in place for at least 3-4 minutes.
Axillary temperatures are slightly lower than rectal temperatures.
If using a glass thermometer, shake the mercury down by snapping the wrist sharply while holding the thermometer. Check to make sure the mercury is below 96 degrees F. Place water based lubricant on silver end of thermometer. Hold the thermometer in place for at least 2-3 minutes. Wipe thermometer with a tissue. Oral temperatures should not be done with babies.