18 Questions
Which thermometer type is no longer used in hospital settings in developed countries?
Mercury
What is the most reliable site for measuring body temperature?
Rectal
What is the correct procedure for taking a rectal temperature for an adult?
Insert the thermometer 4 cm into the anus
What can be a potential contraindication for taking rectal temperature?
Fecal impaction
Which site to measure body temperature responds more quickly to changes in arterial temperature?
Oral
What is body temperature a measure of?
The balance between heat produced and heat lost
Why is it important to read a rectal thermometer recording after 2-3 minutes of insertion?
To get a more accurate reading
Where is body temperature regulated in the body?
Hypothalamus of the brain
What is considered normal body temperature through oral measurement in Celsius?
37.0 C
What term is used for a very high fever that can lead to death?
Hyperpyrexia
What does a body temperature above the normal range indicate?
Pyrexia
What is the term for a client who has a fever?
Febrile
What is the recommended method for taking body temperature because it is safest and most noninvasive?
Axillary method
How does the tympanic thermometer record temperature?
In 1 to 2 seconds
What should be done with the electronic thermometer after reading the temperature?
Dispose of it properly
In which direction should the probe's tip point when using a tympanic thermometer?
From the sideburns to the opposite eyebrow
What should you wait for before advancing the probe into the client's ear with a tympanic thermometer?
'Ready' message to display
Which hand should be used to hold the probe when using a tympanic thermometer?
Dominant hand
Study Notes
Measuring Body Temperature
- Common sites to measure body temperature: Oral, Rectal, Axillary, and Tympanic
Types of Thermometers
- Oral thermometer: long slender tips
- Rectal thermometer: short, rounded tips
- Axillary thermometer: long and slender tip
- Mercury, digital, and electronic types of thermometers
Rectal Temperature
- Readings are considered more accurate and reliable
- 0.6-1.0°C (1.0-1.8°F) higher than oral temperature
- Procedure: wash hands, assemble equipment, position patient laterally, apply lubricant, insert thermometer 1.5-4 cm into anus, measure for 2-3 minutes, and clean the thermometer
Contraindications for Rectal Temperature
- Rectal or perineal surgery
- Fecal impaction
- Rectal infection
- Neonates (can cause rectal perforation and ulceration)
Oral Temperature
- Procedure: wash hands, assemble equipment, position patient, and measure temperature
- Normal body temperature: 37.0°C (98.6°F)
Body Temperature
- Represents the balance between heat gain and heat loss
- Regulated in the hypothalamus of the brain
- Variations in temperature indicate the health status of the body
Types of Body Temperature
- Core Temperature: temperature of deep tissues, remains relatively constant, and is measured with a thermometer
- Surface Temperature: temperature of the skin, subcutaneous tissue, and fat, and can be altered
Alterations in Body Temperature
- Pyrexia: body temperature above 38°C (100.4°F)
- Hyperpyrexia: very high fever, above 41°C (105.8°F), can lead to death
- Hypothermia: body temperature between 34°C-35°C (93.2°F-95°F), below 34°C (93.2°F) can lead to death
Types of Fevers
- Intermittent fever: alternating periods of fever and normal or subnormal temperature
- (6 more types of fevers not mentioned)
Axillary Temperature
- Safest and most noninvasive method
- Procedure: wash hands, hold electronic thermometer, wait for reading, and record temperature
Tympanic Temperature
- Placed snugly in the client's outer ear canal
- Records temperature in 1-2 seconds
- Commonly used in pediatric and intensive care units
- Procedure: wash hands, explain procedure to client, hold probe, select mode, and advance probe into ear canal
Test your knowledge about measuring body temperature and different types of thermometers used. Learn about common body temperature measurement sites such as oral, rectal, axillary, and tympanic. Explore the characteristics of oral, rectal, and axillary thermometers including mercury, digital, and electronic types.
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