Temperature

Question 1

what are the indications for a temperature measurement?

Answer 1

Establishing a baseline for later comparison.
Identification of core temperature
Monitoring core temperature changes

Question 2

how would you prepare the environment?

Answer 2

By preparing the surroundings of your patients environment. Drawing the curtains, either turning off tv or turning it down, ensuring the patient is comfortable.

Question 3

Give evidence of therapeutic interaction.

Answer 3

Hi (insert patients name here). I’m Liz your student nurse for today and I have come to do your observations. Will that be ok? I will 1st start off by taking your temperature, then your pulse and respirations and last of all your blood pressure.

Question 4

What questions would you ask them?

Answer 4

Have you had anything hot or cold to eat or drink lately?
Have you been outside to have a cigarette or done any exercise?
If they have responded yes I would come back in 30 minutes as this affects the readings.

Question 5

What is the normal range of an adult temperature?

Answer 5

a normal range for an adult is 36C -37.5C

Question 6

What is the process of taking a temperature?

Answer 6

1. Gather equipment.
2. Prepare the environment
3. Prepare the thermometer
4. Perform hand hygiene
5. Talk to the patient
6. Assess the patient
7. Take the temperature
8. Document info
9. Clean, replace and dispose of equipment appropriately.

Question 7

What is thermoregulation?

Answer 7

it is the process that allows the human body to maintain its core internal temperature (homeostasis)

Question 8

If doing a tympanic temperature what should you be inspecting before inserting it into the ear?

Answer 8

Should be turning the patients head to the side and inspecting the ear for signs of infection, drainage, incisions or chaffed skin adjacent to the ear.