Temperature measurement in paediatrics Flashcards
When is a thorough investigation required as to the source of the infection in the context of a fever?
Children <3mo
What is the definition of a fever of unknown origin?
Fever x 14d with no etiology found on routine testing
What is a potential complication of rectal thermometer?
Rectal perforation
What are the recommendations regarding axillary temperature?
Use as a screening test for fever in a neonate despite low sensitivity and specificity
When can oral thermometers not be used?
In young children
In unconscious or uncooperative patients
What is the recommendations regarding digital vs mercury thermometers?
Do not recommend the use of mercury thermometers
What is the recommendation regarding tympanic thermometers?
Infrared tympanic thermometery lacks sufficient agreement with their defined gold standard—rectal thermometry—to be used with confidence in situations where body temperature needs to be measured with precision
What is the normal rectal temperature range?
36.6-38
What is the normal tympanic temperature range?
35.8-38
What is the normal oral temperature range?
35.5-37.5
What is the normal axillary temperature range?
36.5-37.5
What are the recommendations regarding temporal artery temperature devices?
Sensitivity 80% but low specificity
When is rectal thermometers contraindicated?
- Surgical operation on rectum or perineum
- Inflammatory disorder of rectum
- Congenital ano-rectal malformation
- Fistula
- Fever/neutropenia
What are the recommended temperature measurement techniques in birth to 2yo?
- Rectal (definitive)
2. Axillary (screening low risk children)
What are the recommended temperature measurement techniques in 2-5yo?
- Rectal (definitive)
2. Axillary, Tympanic (or Temporal Artery if in hospital) (screening)
