TEMPERATURE TECHNIQUES – Nurse Info TEMPERATURE TECHNIQUES – Principles, Equipment and Procedure (COMMUNITY HEALTH NURSING)

TEMPERATURE TECHNIQUES – Principles, Equipment and Procedure (COMMUNITY HEALTH NURSING)

UPDATED 2024

A clinical
thermometer is a special instrument designed to measure the temperature of the
body. Two thermometers – one oral and one rectal – are essential equipment
which the nurse always carries in her bag. Elevation in temperature is an
indication that the body is reacting to an infection

PRINCIPLES

• Meticulous cleaning of thermometer
  before and after use is essential to prevent the spread of infection
• Temperature is usually taken by
  mouth. Rectal temperatures are most accurate while auxillary temperatures are
  least accurate
• Shake the mercury to 95 degree F
  before taking the temperature
• Keep all thermometers in the shade
  and in the coolest part of the building
• Accuracy in temperature helps in
  effective treatment and medical decision

EQUIPMENT

• Ten small cotton swabs
• Kidney basin to hold moist cotton
  swabs
• Thermometer
• Lubricant for rectal temperature
• Paper bag

PROCEDURE

• Use bag technique as per standard
  precautions
• Remove the thermometer swab up to
  bulb and read
• Place the thermometer at proper site
• Rinse the thermometer thoroughly
  under cool running water after reading
• Replace it in the community bag and
  wash hands
• Record it in the TPR sheet