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Temperatures part 2. Vital Signs . Disposable Thermometer. Types of Thermometers. Disposable Single use and usually individually wrapped Usually a colored dot shows the temperature Single use prevents infection Depending on the type may be used for oral or axillary
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Temperatures part 2 Vital Signs
Types of Thermometers • Disposable • Single use and usually individually wrapped • Usually a colored dot shows the temperature • Single use prevents infection • Depending on the type may be used for oral or axillary • Some may be laid across the child’s forehead
Oral Temperatures • Should not be taken on a person who: • Is unconscious • Has had recent facial or oral surgery • Younger than 5 years old • Is confused • Is heavily sedated • Is coughing • Is being administered oxygen • Has facial paralysis • Has an NG tube
Factors that Affect Oral Temperatures • Drinking • Eating • Smoking • Chewing Gum • Some mints • You should wait about 15 minutes after any of the above, before taking
Tympanic • May take more practice to be accurate • May not be as common • Need to be set for adult or child • Position the resident’s head so that the ear is in front of you • Straighten the ear canal by pulling up and back on the outside edge of the ear • Insert the covered probe into the ear canal • Press the button • Hold the thermometer in place either for one second or until thermometer blinks or beeps • Read temperature • Dispose of sheath
Temporal Artery • Measures heat from skin over the temporal artery • Gentle stroke or scan across the forehead • Non-invasive
Axillary – the armpit • Remove patient’s arm from sleeve of gown or top to allow skin contact with the end of the thermometer • Wipe Axillary area with tissues before placing the thermometer • Leave in place 8 to 10 minutes for glass and until beeps or blinks for digital and electronic • Remove from underarm and wipe glass thermometer with a tissue, use a tissue to remove sheath or press button to eject probe cover
Rectal • Do not take if patient has a rectal injury or has had rectal surgery • Wash hands • Patient should be lying down and on their side • Put on gloves • Apply lubricant to thermometer • Expose rectal area only • Raise upper buttock with one hand • Gently insert 1 inch for glass and 1/2inch for electric
Rectal • Hold thermometer to prevent thermometer from being drawn in, being pushed out, or patient turning onto it • Leave in place 3 minutes • Remove and wipe with a tissue or remove probe or condom • Read the thermometer • Position patient to comfort • Remove gloves • Wash hands