Temperature Flashcards
What is considered the normal range for body temperature?
36.4-37.5 degrees Celsius. Average 37.0
What are the common measurement sites for temperature? (5)
Mouth, rectum, axilla, ear, and across the forehead
What is the difference in temperature between the axilla, mouth, and rectum?
Axilla is approx 0.5 degrees C cooler than mouth, rectum is approx 0.5 degrees warmer than mouth
What times of day are body temperature lowest and highest?
Lowest in morning/on awakening due to muscle inactivity
Highest in afternoon due to metabolic process, activity, and environmental temperature.
What position should a client be in to obtain a rectal temperature?
Sims
When should the nurse obtain a rectal temperature?
When unable to obtain accurate temp orally.
When client has nasal congestion.
When client has undergone oral or nasal surgery.
When client has had jaws wired.
When client has NG tube in place.
When client is unable to close mouth.
When client is at risk for seizures.
How far should a thermometer be inserted rectally?
About 1.5 inches
When should an axillary temperature be taken?
When oral and rectal methods are contraindicated.
Why is axillary temperature not recommended?
It is not as accurate as other methods.
What could interfere with a tympanic temperature measurement?
Ear infection or wax blockage.
When is tympanic temperature contraindicated?
When the client has an inflammatory condition of the auditory canal or if there is discharge from the ear.
Where is the thermometer placed to measure temporal artery temperature?
Flush against the skin and slid across the forehead, or area of the temporal artery and held in place.
How should a temporal artery temperature be obtained if the client is diaphoretic?
Probe may be placed on the neck just behind the earlobe.
