Temperature measurement rules
There are certain rules for measuring human body temperature. To begin with, remember that the normal temperature is from 36 to 37 degrees Celsius. Daily physiological fluctuations are no more than one degree (for example, in the morning the temperature is 36.0, in the evening - 37.0).
Thermometry - measurement of body temperature - in medical institutions is carried out 2 times a day. According to the doctor's testimony, in severe and febrile patients - more often.
Body temperature is measured using medical thermometers:
- mercury;
- electronic.
Areas of the body where temperature is measured:
- armpit (less often - inguinal fold);
- oral cavity;
- rectum.
Basic rules for measuring body temperature
- Before the thermometry procedure, the nurse should wash her hands and put on gloves .
- The thermometer is checked for integrity before use.
- The column of a mercury thermometer is shaken off to the mark of 33-34 degrees.
- The armpit or inguinal fold of the patient is examined for the absence of inflammation. If the skin is wet, they should be dried with a gauze napkin.
- When measuring temperature in the oral cavity, a special thermometer with a long pointed end is used, which is placed under the patient's tongue. In this case, the patient should close his mouth tightly and breathe through his nose.
- For thermometry in the rectal area, the patient is placed on his side with his knees bent and pressed against his stomach. Vaseline is applied to the end of the thermometer using a gauze napkin. The nurse spreads the patient's buttocks with the left hand, with the right hand inserts the thermometer reservoir behind the internal sphincter of the rectum to a depth of 3 cm in an adult, 1-2 cm in a child. The thermometer is removed with a gauze napkin. The temperature readings are determined, after which the thermometer is placed in a special container with a disinfectant solution.
- To measure the temperature in the oral cavity, armpit and rectum, different thermometers should be used.
- The thermometer should be positioned so that the mercury reservoir is completely covered by the skin or mucous membranes.
- The time of temperature measurement with a mercury thermometer is 10 minutes; electronic - depending on the brand, from 3 seconds or more (follow the instructions).
- After the procedure, thermometers, as well as nurse's gloves, are immersed in special containers with disinfectant solutions. The nurse washes her hands after removing gloves.
- The results of thermometry are recorded in the patient's temperature sheet.
- It should be remembered that the temperature in the oral cavity differs from the "usual" (measured in the armpit) and will be higher by about 0.5 degrees. Rectal, in turn, is 1 degree higher.
Rules for measuring body temperature in children
- Children thermometry should be carried out only under the supervision of a nurse.
- The body of the thermometer must not be cold. In this case, one should not forget about the control of the initial temperature reading on it.
- In any manipulations with children, a friendly and affectionate approach from the nurse is important.
- During the measurement of temperature, it is necessary to monitor the position of the child in order to avoid incorrect results and the thermometer falling.
- Preschool children are not allowed to use glass thermometers to measure temperature in the oral cavity.
By observing the rules for measuring body temperature , the nurse provides an accurate picture of the course of the patient's disease. And this is important for the doctor to determine the tactics of treatment, and, ultimately, for the speedy recovery of the patient.
