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Unit 18. Body Temperature. Objectives. Spell and define terms. Name and identify the three types of clinical thermometers and their uses. Read a thermometer. Identify the range of normal values. Introduction . Body temperature is one of the vital signs
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Unit 18 Body Temperature
Objectives • Spell and define terms. • Name and identify the three types of clinical thermometers and their uses. • Read a thermometer. • Identify the range of normal values.
Introduction • Body temperature is one of the vital signs • Measuring body temperature is a common nursing assistant task
Temperature Values • Temperature values may be expressed in either of two scales: • Fahrenheit scale (F) • Celsius scale(C)
Definition of Body Temperature • Temperature is the measurement of body heat • It is the balance between heat produced and heat lost
Measuring Body Temperature • Temperature is usually measured in one of four body areas: • Mouth • Ear • Rectal • Axillary or groin
Clinical Thermometers • A patient’s temperature is determined by using a clinical thermometer: • Glass clinical thermometer • Electronic thermometer • Digital thermometer • Disposable oral thermometer • Tympanic thermometer
Cleaning Glass Thermometers • Glass thermometers are reusable • They must be cleaned and disinfected between uses
Documentation • In many facilities • Temperatures are recorded on a temperature clipboard • They are then transferred to the individual patient charts