recording a temperature

Question 1

intro and different methods of taking a temperature and normal ranges

Answer 1

There are four common ward based methods of measuring temperature: oral, axillary, rectal and
tympanic.

Normal Temperature readings:
oral 36 –37oC
axillary 36.4 oC
rectal 37.6 oC

Before all of these do the usual checking name, introducing self and explaining what you are going to
do.

Question 2

taking an oral temperature

Answer 2

Oral
1. Use a glass mercury filled thermometer. Ensure that it is clean. Place a plastic protective sheath
over the thermometer or if not available clean with an Isopropyl Alcohol 70% soaked swab. If using a
digital thermometer ensure that it is on.

2. Introduce self and explain what you are going to do.
3. Ensure that it has been at least 10 minutes since the patient last drank any fluids or smoked a
   cigarette.
4. Shake the mercury in the glass thermometer down to below 35 degrees.
5. Place thermometer in mouth of patient sublingually, on one side of midline frenulum.
6. Ensure lips are closed so the thermometer is held securely in place.
7. Hold in place for 3-4 minutes.
8. Remove thermometer and hold horizontally, turning slowly until a mercury strip is seen running down the side of the thermometer.
9. Record the highest temperature reading the mercury has reached.
10. Clean and replace the thermometer.
11. Document the result.
12. Wash hands.

Question 3

taking a rectal temperature

Answer 3

1. Ensure that you have a rectal thermometer. The ends are more bulbous than an oral thermometer
   and the top is often coloured blue. The recording scale starts at a lower figure than the oral
   thermometer.
2. Wash hands and don a pair of clean non-sterile gloves.
3. Clean the thermometer and apply a protective plastic sheath.
4. Position the patient on their sides and expose anus.
5. Lubricate and insert the thermometer into the anus no more than an 2.5 cm (1 inch).
6. Hold in place for at least 4-5 minutes.
7. Remove thermometer.
8. Reposition patient and return bedclothes.
9. Holding the thermometer horizontally and read the mercury strip on the side of the thermometer.
10. Clean thermometer. Remove gloves wash hands.
    Record results on appropriate documentation.

Question 4

axillary temp

Answer 4

1. Clean thermometer and place under the arm of the patient ensuring the thermometer touches the
   skin.
2. Close down arm and secure in place for 3-4 minutes.
3. Remove thermometer and holding horizontally read the temperature recorded from the mercury
   strip, which can be seen.
4. Clean thermometer.
5. Wash hands
6. Document temperature recorded.
   Tympanic
7. Temperature recording digital machines can be used to record temperature by placing a probe onto
   the ear canal.
8. Use according to manufactures instructions.
9. Ensure that the probe is clean before use, and clean it after use.

Question 5

tympanic

Answer 5

Tympanic
1. Temperature recording digital machines can be used to record temperature by placing a probe onto
the ear canal.
2. Use according to manufactures instructions.
3. Ensure that the probe is clean before use, and clean it after use.