How to Take a Temperature: Under Arm, Oral, Ear, Rectum, Skin, Temporal

Summary

In this video, Sarah Thread Sterner demonstrates six different methods for checking body temperature. She covers techniques including oral, ear (tympanic), armpit (axillary), temporal artery, rectal, and skin temperature checks. Each method is explained in detail, including proper hand hygiene, equipment usage, and steps for accurate readings. Sarah also highlights the accuracy of each method, noting that rectal readings are the most reliable, while skin and armpit measurements are the least accurate. The video is a comprehensive guide to temperature measurement in both adults and children.

Takeaways

• 🌡️ Normal adult body temperature ranges between 97°F and 99°F, with an average of 98.6°F.
• 👶 Normal child body temperature ranges between 97.4°F and 100°F; a fever is any temperature above 100.4°F.
• 🫖 Oral temperature can be measured using a glass or digital thermometer; glass thermometers require careful reading and resetting the liquid level.
• 🧴 Always perform hand hygiene, wear gloves when necessary, and clean the thermometer with alcohol before and after use.
• 👂 Tympanic (ear) thermometers require proper positioning of the ear: up and back for adults, down and back for children under 12 months.
• 🤲 Axillary (armpit) temperature measurement is less accurate and should be done with the thermometer tip directly against the skin, not over clothing.
• 👤 Temporal artery thermometers involve swiping the thermometer across the forehead and, if necessary, behind the ear for sweaty patients.
• 🍑 Rectal temperature measurement is the most accurate method, typically reading about 1°F higher than oral temperatures.
• 📏 Skin strip thermometers are the least accurate and should be used only as a last resort; they display a color change to indicate temperature.
• 📝 Document all temperature readings along with the measurement route to ensure accurate patient records.
• ⚖️ Route selection affects reading accuracy: rectal > oral > tympanic > axillary > skin strip.
• ⏱️ Always wait for the thermometer to signal completion (beep or indicator) before removing and reading the measurement.

Q & A

What is considered a normal body temperature for an adult?

For an adult, normal body temperature can range from 97°F to 99°F, with an average of about 98.6°F.

What temperature is considered a fever in both adults and children?

A temperature greater than 100.4°F is considered a fever in both adults and children.

What precautions should be taken when using a glass thermometer to check oral temperature?

Before using a glass thermometer, ensure the person has not consumed anything for at least 15 minutes. Clean the thermometer with alcohol prep, make sure the liquid inside is below 98.6°F, and use a probe cover to prevent contamination.

How do you use a digital thermometer for oral temperature measurement?

To use a digital thermometer orally, first perform hand hygiene, don gloves, clean the thermometer with alcohol, insert it in a probe cover, and place it under the patient’s tongue. Keep the mouth closed and wait for the thermometer to beep. Afterward, clean the thermometer and document the temperature.

How should you take an ear temperature using a tympanic thermometer?

To take an ear temperature, insert a probe filter on the thermometer, pull the pinna up and back for adults (down and back for children under 12 months), insert the thermometer into the ear, and press the button to get the reading.

What is the proper method for checking a temperature via the armpit?

For an armpit temperature, place a clean digital thermometer in a probe cover, lift the patient's arm, and place the thermometer's tip directly into the armpit (not on clothing). Close the arm and wait for the thermometer to beep. Then, remove the thermometer, clean it, and document the temperature.

How do you measure a temperature using the temporal artery method?

To measure a temperature via the temporal artery, hold the thermometer button, swipe it across the forehead to the hairline, and release the button. If the patient is sweating, also swipe behind the ear to get a more accurate reading.

What is the procedure for rectal temperature measurement?

For a rectal temperature, first perform hand hygiene and don gloves. Clean the thermometer, insert it into a probe cover, lubricate the tip, and insert the thermometer about one inch into the rectum. Wait for the thermometer to beep, remove it, clean it, and document the temperature.

How do temperature strips work, and how should they be used?

To use a temperature strip, peel off the strip and place it on the patient's forehead. After about 15 seconds, a dot will appear, and the area that turns green indicates the temperature reading. After use, dispose of the strip and perform hand hygiene.

Which temperature-taking method is considered the most accurate?

Rectal temperature measurement is considered the most accurate. The least accurate methods are skin and armpit measurements.