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?
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What is a normal axillary or groin temperature?
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What is a normal rectal or temporal temperature?
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What is the most accurate method for taking a temperature and why?
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What is the least accurate method for taking a temperature?
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What is an aural temperature?
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How does an aural thermometer measure temperature?
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How does a temporal thermometer measure temperature?
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What is the difference between hyperthermia and hypothermia?
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List two ways you can tell a rectal clinical thermometer from an oral clinical thermometer.
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How do plastic or paper thermometers register body temperature?
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How long should a thermometer soak in a disinfectant before it is safe to rinse in cold water and use on a patient?
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How can you prevent cross-contamination?
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What is the proper procedure for cleanup of a broken clinical thermometer?
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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.
