Vital Signs - Temperature & O2 Saturation

Question 1

How much do you have to wait if a client drank or ate something hot before measuring oral temperature?

Answer 1

30 minutes

Question 2

What is the most accurate site to measure temperature?

Answer 2

Rectal

Question 3

Types of Thermometers

Answer 3

1. mercury-in-glass thermometers
2. electronic thermometers
3. chemical disposable thermometer
4. temperature-sensitive tape
5. infrared tympanic thermometer
6. temporal artery thermometer

Question 4

What is the purpose of assessing body temperature?

Answer 4

• to establish baseline data for subsequent evaluations
• to identify whether core temperature is within normal range
• to determine whether prescribed therapies caused a change in core temperature as a response
• to monitor clients at risk of imbalanced body temperature

Question 5

What specific therapies may cause a change in core temperature?

Answer 5

• antipyretic medication
• Immunosuppressive therapy
• invasive procedure

Question 6

What equipment is required to measure temperature?

Answer 6

1. Thermometers
2. Thermometer sheath or cover
3. water-soluble lubricant for rectal temp.
4. clean gloves for rectal temp.
5. towel for axillary
6. tissues or wipes

Question 7

Thermometers placement in oral

Answer 7

Place tip on either side of frenulum
wait 1-2 minutes

Question 8

Thermometers placement in axillary

Answer 8

Pat axilla dry if very moist
place tip in center of axilla
wait 10 minutes

Question 9

Thermometers placement in rectal

Answer 9

Apply clean gloves
instruct client to take a slow deep breath during insertion
never force thermometer if resistance is felt
insert 3.5 cms or 1.5 inches in adults
wait 3-5 minutes

Question 10

Thermometers placement in tympanic

Answer 10

Pull pinna slightly upward & backward for adults
point probe slightly anteriorly toward ear drum
insert probe slowly using a rotating motion until snug

Question 11

What do we do when reading is markedly high, low or inconsistent with client’s conditions?

Answer 11

Read & record temp. Then recheck it w a thermometer known to be functioning properly

Question 12

What do we use to measure Oxygen Saturation in the blood?

Answer 12

a pulse oximeter

Question 13

What does the pulse oximeter test?

Answer 13

• Estimates arterial blood oxygen saturation ( SaO2 )
• Records Oxygen in peripheral arterial blood ( SpO2 )
• Detects Hypoxemia before clinical signs & symptoms

Question 14

What is a normal pulse oximeter reading vs life-threatening?

Answer 14

Normal SpO2 = 95-100%
<70% = life-threatening

Question 15

What are the factors that affect the pulse oximeters reading accuracy?

Answer 15

• Hemoglobin
• Circulation
• Activity
• Carbon monoxide poisoning