Questions and Answers
What is the normal range for body temperature?
What is a normal oral temperature?
98.6°F
The clinical thermometer for oral is left in place for how many minutes?
3-5 minutes
What is a normal rectal temperature?
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The clinical thermometer for rectal is left in place for how many minutes?
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What is a normal axillary temperature?
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The clinical thermometer for axillary is left in place for how many minutes?
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What is the most accurate method for taking temperature, and why?
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What is the least accurate method for taking a temperature, and why?
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What is an aural temperature?
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How does an aural thermometer measure temperature?
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What is the difference between hypothermia and hyperthermia?
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List 2 ways to tell a rectal clinical thermometer from an oral clinical thermometer.
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Why do OSHA, EPA, and AMA discourage the use of mercury-filled clinical thermometers?
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How can you prevent cross-contamination while using the probe of an electronic thermometer?
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How do plastic or paper thermometers register body temperature?
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Why is it important to ask patients if they have had anything to eat or drink or if they have smoked before taking an oral temperature?
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How long should a thermometer soak in disinfectant before it is safe to rinse in cold water and use on a patient?
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What is an electric thermometer?
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What is a paper/plastic thermometer?
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What is a tympanic (aural) thermometer?
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What are thermometers (glass) oral?
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What are thermometers (glass) rectal?
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What do thermometers (glass) have?
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What is involved in taking temperature?
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What is temperature in relation to the body?
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List 3 main reasons why temperature may vary.
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What temperature is considered the conclusion for life?
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What can an increase in temperature indicate?
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What temperature is considered hyperthermia?
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At what time of day is your temperature typically higher?
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What factors can lead to decreased temperature?
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What would happen if a patient drank, ate, or smoked within 15 minutes of taking temperature?
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Study Notes
Normal Body Temperature Ranges
- Normal body temperature ranges from 97°F to 99°F.
- Oral temperature is typically 98.6°F.
- Normal rectal temperature is 99.6°F.
- Axillary temperature averages at 97.6°F.
Measurement Techniques
- Oral thermometers are held in place for 3-5 minutes, placed under the tongue near the frenulum.
- Rectal thermometers are also kept in place for 3-5 minutes, measuring internal temperature accurately.
- Axillary thermometers require 9-10 minutes for proper measurement.
Methods of Temperature Measurement
- Rectal thermometers provide the most accurate body temperature readings due to internal placement.
- Axillary and groin measurements are the least accurate due to external positioning.
Aural Temperature Measurements
- Aural thermometers measure temperature within the ear by detecting infrared energy from the tympanic membrane.
Temperature-related Conditions
- Hypothermia: Body temperature below 95°F.
- Hyperthermia: Body temperature above 104°F.
Thermometer Identification
- Rectal thermometers feature a short rounded bulb and red tip.
- Oral thermometers have a long slender bulb and blue tip.
Health and Safety Concerns
- OSHA, EPA, and AMA discourage mercury thermometers due to toxicity risks from mercury vapor.
- Cross-contamination can be prevented using disposable covers over thermometer probes.
Various Types of Thermometers
- Digital thermometers provide quick readings displayed in seconds and utilize disposable covers.
- Paper/plastic thermometers, applied to the forehead, change color with temperature.
- Tympanic thermometers are widely used for ear temperature measurements.
- Glass oral thermometers have a long slender bulb, while rectal thermometers feature a short rounded bulb.
Cleaning and Disinfection
- Thermometers should soak in disinfectant for at least 30 minutes before rinsing in cold water for safe reuse.
Factors Affecting Temperature Variability
- Temperature can vary due to individual differences, time of day, and body measurement site.
- Typical temperature increases can be caused by illnesses, inflammation, or physical activity.
Temperature Extremes
- A body temperature of 106°F can lead to severe health consequences, including potential death.
- Temperature readings may falsely decrease if a patient has eaten, drunk, or smoked within 15 minutes prior to measurement.
General Temperature Knowledge
- Body temperature reflects the balance of heat loss and production within the body.
- The body temperature tends to rise in the evening, peaking around 4 PM.
- Decreased temperature can result from factors such as fasting, decreased muscle activity, or external cold exposure.
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Description
Test your knowledge on normal body temperature ranges and measurement methods with this interactive flashcard quiz. Covering oral and rectal temperature norms, as well as the use of clinical thermometers, it's essential for healthcare students. Enhance your understanding of temperature assessment in medical practice.