Temperature

Question 1

What is the average core body temperature?

Answer 1

37 (+/- 0.5) degrees Celsius

Question 2

What is pyrexia?

Answer 2

Fever; rise in body temperature above the normal range for a patient

Question 3

When should a tympanic thermometer not be used?

Answer 3

If the patient has ear ache or ear discharge, or if you suspect a build- up of ear wax

Question 4

Why is it important to use the same ear each time you measure an individual patient’s temperature with a tympanic thermometer?

Answer 4

To ensure consistency in recording/ allow accurate comparison between readings

Question 5

If the patient has been lying on their side, from which ear should you take the recording?

Answer 5

The ear that was uppermost

Question 6

Who is the correct person to inform of an abnormal reading?

Answer 6

Ask for answer

Question 7

How do you take a temperature?

Answer 7

1. Explain the procedure to the patient and gain consent;
2. Decontaminate hands;
3. Push head of tympanic thermometer into a probe cover held inside the base until it clicks into place (don’t touch the probe cover);
4. Explain actions to patient in an empathic way as the procedure is undertaken;
5. Grasp the pinna of the ear and pull it gently up and back;
6. Push the device gently but firmly into the ear canal;
7. Press the button to activate the scam while the device is correctly in place;
8. Remove the device from the ear canal after the device makes the appropriate beep;
9. Read the temperature display immediately;
10. Dispose of probe cover in the yellow bin without touching it;
11. Check device is clean; switch off device if required and replace it in the base;
12. Decontaminate hands;
13. Record the temperature correctly in the notes or chart;

NB: Ensure the patient is comfortable throughout.