TemperatureThis section will show you how to properly attain and record a patient’s temperature. For your return demonstration, you will be expected to know how to properly attain a patient’s temperature. You must view the video and practice according to the guidelines prior to your return demo. You will be provided with a thermometer for your return demonstration. |
Equipment
The normal temperature reading depends on the
area in which you take the patient’s temperature.
· Oral 98.6 F (96.6-100.4)
· Rectal 99.6 F (Usually 1 higher than oral route)
· Axillary 97.6 F (Usually 1 lower than oral route)
· Tympanic 99.6 F (Usually 1 higher than oral route)
Each route of taking a patient’s temperature involves leaving the thermometer in place for a certain amount of time when using a glass thermometer.
· Oral 2-3 minutes
· Rectal 2-3 minutes
· Axillary 6-9 minutes
· Tympanic a few seconds
area in which you take the patient’s temperature.
· Oral 98.6 F (96.6-100.4)
· Rectal 99.6 F (Usually 1 higher than oral route)
· Axillary 97.6 F (Usually 1 lower than oral route)
· Tympanic 99.6 F (Usually 1 higher than oral route)
Each route of taking a patient’s temperature involves leaving the thermometer in place for a certain amount of time when using a glass thermometer.
· Oral 2-3 minutes
· Rectal 2-3 minutes
· Axillary 6-9 minutes
· Tympanic a few seconds
Key Points
If the patient’s temperature is above the normal range, it is called a fever (febrile), pyrexia, or hyperthermia. Interventions for a high temperature include:
· Monitor vital signs
· Assess skin color changes
· Monitor lab values
· Remove excess blankets and clothes
· Measure I & O
· Reduce physical activity
· Administer antipyretic as ordered
· Provide dry clothing and bed linens
· Provide adequate nutrition and fluids
If the patient’s temperature is below the normal range, it is called hypothermia, or afibrile (without fever). Interventions for a low temperature include:
· Provide warm environment
· Provide dry clothing
· Apply warm blankets
· Keep limbs close to body
· Cover client’s scalp
· Supply warm oral and intravenous fluids
· Apply warming pads
There are four types of Heat loss:
· Radiation
Transfer of heat from the surface of one object to the surface of another without direct contact between the two.
· Vaporization/Evaporation
Change of a liquid into a vapor at any temperature.
· Conduction
The transfer of heat from one object to another with direct contact.
· Convection
The transfer of heat away with air movement.
· Monitor vital signs
· Assess skin color changes
· Monitor lab values
· Remove excess blankets and clothes
· Measure I & O
· Reduce physical activity
· Administer antipyretic as ordered
· Provide dry clothing and bed linens
· Provide adequate nutrition and fluids
If the patient’s temperature is below the normal range, it is called hypothermia, or afibrile (without fever). Interventions for a low temperature include:
· Provide warm environment
· Provide dry clothing
· Apply warm blankets
· Keep limbs close to body
· Cover client’s scalp
· Supply warm oral and intravenous fluids
· Apply warming pads
There are four types of Heat loss:
· Radiation
Transfer of heat from the surface of one object to the surface of another without direct contact between the two.
· Vaporization/Evaporation
Change of a liquid into a vapor at any temperature.
· Conduction
The transfer of heat from one object to another with direct contact.
· Convection
The transfer of heat away with air movement.