Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which thermometer type is no longer used in hospital settings in developed countries?
Which thermometer type is no longer used in hospital settings in developed countries?
- Electronic
- Mercury (correct)
- Digital
- Rectal
What is the most reliable site for measuring body temperature?
What is the most reliable site for measuring body temperature?
- Oral
- Tympanic
- Rectal (correct)
- Axillary
What is the correct procedure for taking a rectal temperature for an adult?
What is the correct procedure for taking a rectal temperature for an adult?
- Insert the thermometer 4 cm into the anus (correct)
- Clean the thermometer before taking the reading
- Position the person lying on their back
- Insert the thermometer 2.5 cm into the mouth
What can be a potential contraindication for taking rectal temperature?
What can be a potential contraindication for taking rectal temperature?
Which site to measure body temperature responds more quickly to changes in arterial temperature?
Which site to measure body temperature responds more quickly to changes in arterial temperature?
What is body temperature a measure of?
What is body temperature a measure of?
Why is it important to read a rectal thermometer recording after 2-3 minutes of insertion?
Why is it important to read a rectal thermometer recording after 2-3 minutes of insertion?
Where is body temperature regulated in the body?
Where is body temperature regulated in the body?
What is considered normal body temperature through oral measurement in Celsius?
What is considered normal body temperature through oral measurement in Celsius?
What term is used for a very high fever that can lead to death?
What term is used for a very high fever that can lead to death?
What does a body temperature above the normal range indicate?
What does a body temperature above the normal range indicate?
What is the term for a client who has a fever?
What is the term for a client who has a fever?
What is the recommended method for taking body temperature because it is safest and most noninvasive?
What is the recommended method for taking body temperature because it is safest and most noninvasive?
How does the tympanic thermometer record temperature?
How does the tympanic thermometer record temperature?
What should be done with the electronic thermometer after reading the temperature?
What should be done with the electronic thermometer after reading the temperature?
In which direction should the probe's tip point when using a tympanic thermometer?
In which direction should the probe's tip point when using a tympanic thermometer?
What should you wait for before advancing the probe into the client's ear with a tympanic thermometer?
What should you wait for before advancing the probe into the client's ear with a tympanic thermometer?
Which hand should be used to hold the probe when using a tympanic thermometer?
Which hand should be used to hold the probe when using a tympanic thermometer?
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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
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