Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is a characteristic of the oral temperature measurement site?
What is a characteristic of the oral temperature measurement site?
- It is ideal for patients with fever.
- It should be taken with the mouth closed. (correct)
- It is less influenced by blood flow.
- It is the least accurate temperature site.
Why is rectal temperature generally higher than oral temperature?
Why is rectal temperature generally higher than oral temperature?
- High isolation and low heat loss contribute to its accuracy. (correct)
- The patient is typically in a cold environment.
- It has a greater blood flow compared to the oral site.
- It is influenced by external air currents.
In which scenario would axillary temperature be most appropriate for use?
In which scenario would axillary temperature be most appropriate for use?
- When measuring temperature in infants.
- In patients undergoing vigorous exercise.
- When high accuracy is needed rapidly.
- For patients with oral inflammation or postoperative status. (correct)
What general principle applies to the aural temperature measurement?
What general principle applies to the aural temperature measurement?
What is the relationship between rectal and oral temperature at steady state?
What is the relationship between rectal and oral temperature at steady state?
Which temperature measurement is taken using an infrared scanner?
Which temperature measurement is taken using an infrared scanner?
How does axillary temperature compare to oral temperature?
How does axillary temperature compare to oral temperature?
What makes tympanic membrane thermometers unique compared to other types?
What makes tympanic membrane thermometers unique compared to other types?
Flashcards
Oral Temperature Measurement
Oral Temperature Measurement
Taking body temperature under the tongue using a thermometer. It's often used because this location has a rich blood supply and reflects internal body temperature relatively closely.
Rectal Temperature Measurement
Rectal Temperature Measurement
Measuring body temperature inside the rectum. This site is considered an indicator of deep body temperature.
Axillary Temperature Measurement
Axillary Temperature Measurement
Taking body temperature under the armpit. It's often used for patients who can't have an oral temperature, e.g., those with oral inflammation.
Aural (Ear) Temperature Measurement
Aural (Ear) Temperature Measurement
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Temporal Artery Temperature
Temporal Artery Temperature
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Tympanic Membrane Thermometer
Tympanic Membrane Thermometer
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Temperature Site Difference
Temperature Site Difference
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Blood Supply and Temperature Measurement
Blood Supply and Temperature Measurement
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Study Notes
Assessment of Body Temperature
- Sites for taking temperature should be closed to prevent air currents and have an abundant blood supply.
Oral Temperature
- A rich blood supply under the tongue makes it a suitable site.
- The thermometer should be placed under the tongue.
- The patient's mouth should be closed.
- The posterior sublingual pockets are perfused by a branch of the external carotid artery.
- Oral temperature closely follows core temperature changes.
Rectal Temperature
- The rectal site reflects the deep visceral temperature, measured through the iliac artery and vein.
- Rectal temperature is higher than other sites in a steady state.
- This is likely due to low blood flow and high isolation in the area, resulting in less heat loss.
- There's a 0.5°C difference between rectal and oral temperatures (rectal is higher).
- Axillary temperature is +0.5°C.
- Rectal temperature is -0.5°C.
Axillary Temperature
- Used for patients who mouth breathe or have oral inflammation or surgery.
- Axillary temperature is 0.5°C lower than oral temperature.
Aural Temperature
- The tympanic membrane shares its blood supply from the internal and external carotid arteries.
- The area is relatively devoid of metabolic activity.
Temporal Temperature
- Measured by an infrared scanner on the forehead.
- Temporal thermometers measure the heat from blood moving through the temporal artery.
- A quick, non-invasive, and accurate method.
Temperature Measurement Devices
- Tympanic Membrane Thermometer: Small handheld device with a sensor probe and a disposable probe cover connected to a battery-operated unit.
- Chemical Thermometer: Used by patients at home. Disposable chemical single-use thermometers contain chemical dots which respond to body heat.
- Temperature Sensitive Strips: Reusable plastic strips with heat-sensitive liquid crystals to measure body temperature. The strip is pressed onto the forehead until the colors stop changing (about 15 seconds). The strip is then removed and washed.
Contraindications for Temperature Measurement
Oral Site
- Children under 6 years old.
- Confused or convulsive patients.
- Patients who have consumed very hot or cold fluids or food for 15 minutes.
- Patients with oral or nasal surgery.
Rectal Site
- Rectal surgery or inflammation.
- Constipation or diarrhea.
- Newborns and infants (may cause ulcerations and rectal perfusions).
Axillary Site
- Surgery or inflammation in the axilla.
- Injury or fracture to the chest or arm.
Tympanic Membrane Site
- Ear and tympanic membrane inflammation or surgery.
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