Measuring and Recording Temperature Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

Define temperature.

balance between heat lost and produced in body

List three main reasons temperature may vary.

individual differences, time of day, body sites

What is the normal range of body temperature?

97 to 100 degrees

What is a normal oral temperature?

98.6 degrees (97.6-99.6) Signup and view all the answers

What is a normal axillary or groin temperature?

97.6 degrees (96.6-98.6) Signup and view all the answers

What is a normal rectal or temporal temperature?

99.6 degrees (98.6-100.6) Signup and view all the answers

What is the most accurate method for taking a temperature and why?

rectal temperature, internal measurement Signup and view all the answers

What is the least accurate method for taking a temperature?

aural temperature Signup and view all the answers

What is an aural temperature?

ear temperature Signup and view all the answers

How does an aural thermometer measure temperature?

thermal reading inside ear Signup and view all the answers

How does a temporal thermometer measure temperature?

measuring temperature in temporal artery Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between hyperthermia and hypothermia?

hypothermia below 95 degrees, hyperthermia above 104 degrees Signup and view all the answers

List two ways you can tell a rectal clinical thermometer from an oral clinical thermometer.

rectal shorter and round with red tip, oral longer receiver Signup and view all the answers

How do plastic or paper thermometers register body temperature?

have chemical dots respond to heat or change by color Signup and view all the answers

How long should a thermometer soak in a disinfectant before it is safe to rinse in cold water and use on a patient?

about 30 minutes Signup and view all the answers

How can you prevent cross-contamination?

using a disposable cover Signup and view all the answers

What is the proper procedure for cleanup of a broken clinical thermometer?

using notecards to pick up mercury of glass Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Understanding Temperature

Temperature is the balance between heat lost and produced in the body.
Variations in body temperature can occur due to individual differences, time of day, and body sites.

Normal Body Temperature Ranges

Normal body temperature typically ranges from 97 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
Average oral temperature is 98.6 degrees (with a range of 97.6 to 99.6 degrees).
Normal axillary or groin temperature averages 97.6 degrees (ranging from 96.6 to 98.6 degrees).
Rectal or temporal temperatures are normally 99.6 degrees (with a range of 98.6 to 100.6 degrees).

Temperature Measurement Methods

The most accurate method for measuring body temperature is rectal measurement due to internal readings.
Aural temperature measurements, taken with tympanic thermometers, are considered the least accurate due to variable results.
Aural temperature refers to measurements taken in the ear, utilizing thermal readings from within the ear canal.
Temporal thermometers measure temperature by assessing the heat from the temporal artery on the forehead.

Temperature Regulation Conditions

Hypothermia is defined as a body temperature below 95 degrees Fahrenheit.
Hyperthermia indicates a body temperature exceeding 104 degrees Fahrenheit.

Clinical Thermometer Identification

Rectal clinical thermometers are shorter, rounded, and typically have a red tip, while oral thermometers are longer with a flat receiver.

Thermometer Mechanisms

Plastic or paper thermometers use chemical dots to change color in response to temperature, indicating body heat.

Disinfection and Cross-Contamination

Clinical thermometers should soak in disinfectant for about 30 minutes prior to rinsing in cold water for safe reuse.
Preventing cross-contamination can be effectively achieved by using a disposable cover for thermometers.

Safety Procedures

In case of a broken clinical thermometer containing mercury, it is recommended to use notecards to carefully pick up the glass fragments and mercury droplets.

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Description

This quiz focuses on understanding temperature measurement concepts, including definitions and key factors affecting body temperature. Learn about normal temperature ranges and variations that may occur in different situations. Ideal for medical students or healthcare professionals.