Temperature

Question 1

Define temperature

Answer 1

Skills for midwifery practice state that temperature is the balance between heat gain and heat loss

Question 2

What is the average range for temperature?

Answer 2

36.5-37.5C

Question 3

What are the 5 temperature recording sites?

Answer 3

Skin
Mouth 
Axillary
Ear (tympanic membrane)
Rectal

Question 4

Why do we take temperature?

Answer 4

To determine a baseline
NICE guidelines state that a temperature assessment is part of MEOWS
Monitor any fluctuations

Question 5

What are the indications for temperature?

Answer 5

Nice guidelines state it should be measured at the onset of labour
During pre-labour rupture of membranes
Before and during a blood transfusion

Question 6

What is the best way to measure temperature during covid?

Answer 6

Disposable thermometers inserted under the tongue for 1 minute with the dots facing down

Question 7

What is hypothermia?

Answer 7

When body temperature is below 35C

Stage 1 is shivering and goosebumps
Stage 2 is going pale, lips,ears,fingers and toes go blue and slow movements
Stage 3 is difficulty speaking, amnesia, stumbling, shivering stops

Can indicate sepsis or occur if the thermometer is inserted incorrectly

Question 8

What is low grade pyrexia?

Answer 8

When the body temperature is between 37.2 and 38C

It indicates: infection, trauma, surgery, thrombosis, allergy

Question 9

What is moderate to high grade pyrexia?

Answer 9

When body temperature is between 38-40C

Caused by: wounds, respiratory infection, urinary tract infection

Fever in labour when temp is 38C or there are two consecutive readings of 37C one hour apart

Question 10

What is hyper pyrexia?

Answer 10

When temperature is over 40C

Cause: bacteraemia, high environmental temperature, damage to the hypothalamus

Question 11

How does the body adapt to heat loss?

Answer 11

Shivering
Goosebumps
Behaviour changes

Question 12

How does the body react to heat gain?

Answer 12

Sweating
Flushed skin
Behaviour changes

Question 13

What are some of the changes in temperature during pregnancy?

Answer 13

Progesterone and a raised metabolic rate increase the amount of heat generated by 30-35%
Blackburn 2013 states that maternal temperature can increase by 0.5C

Question 14

What may a rise in temperature in labour indicate?

Answer 14

Infection
Dehydration
Increased muscular activity from contractions

Question 15

Explain the procedure for taking temperature using a disposable thermometer

Answer 15

1. The NMC code states you must gain informed consent before carrying out a procedure
2. Wash your hands following the world health organisation process and don ppe
3. Place the thermometer under the tongue with the dots facing down
4. Keep here for 60 seconds
5. Remove and dispose of appropriately
6. Explain the findings with woman
7. Document appropriately in line with the NMC code
8. Wash hands and doff ppe

Question 16

Explain the procedure for taking temperature from the tympanic membrane

Answer 16

1. Working in line with the NMC code, gain informed consent before starting
2. Wash hands and don ppe
3. Use same site for comparable readings
4. Place disposable cover on the thermometer
5. Place in correct position and press start
6. Remove as soon as it indicates finished
7. Read temp and record findings in line with the NMC code
8. Discuss findings with woman
9. Dispose of the probe cover, switch off and place back in base unit
10. Clean equipment, wash hands and doff ppe