Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 7, 2026
06:43
Esophageal Heat Transfer for Patient Temperature Control and Targeted Temperature Management
Published on: November 21, 2017
Current practice and knowledge of nurses regarding patient temperature measurement
1School of Care Sciences, University of Glamorgan, Pontypridd, CF37 1DL, UK. jevans2@glam.ac.uk
Journal of Medical Engineering & Technology
|July 26, 2006
Summary
Nursing staff, particularly auxiliaries with less experience, frequently use infrared tympanic thermometry (IRTT) for patient temperature measurement. Despite high perceived accuracy, training and understanding of IRTT remain inadequate.
Area of Science:
- Nursing Practice
- Clinical Thermometry
- Medical Device Technology
Background:
- Patient temperature measurement is a fundamental nursing task.
- Recent advancements, like infrared tympanic thermometry (IRTT), have emerged but practice remains under-investigated.
- Understanding current temperature measurement methods is crucial for patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine current clinical temperature measurement practices among nursing staff.
- To specifically assess the utilization and perception of infrared tympanic thermometry (IRTT).
Main Methods:
- A survey was conducted among 139 nursing staff in a UK general hospital.
- Self-administered questionnaires were used to gather data on temperature measurement practices.
Main Results:
- Nursing auxiliaries with fewer years of experience were most involved in temperature measurement.
- Infrared tympanic thermometry (IRTT) was the predominant method, perceived as accurate, reliable, easy to use, and patient-acceptable.
- A significant deficit in understanding and training regarding IRTT was observed across all nursing grades.
Conclusions:
- Nursing auxiliaries are key personnel in patient temperature monitoring.
- IRTT is widely adopted and positively regarded by nurses, but requires improved training.
- Further research is recommended to address knowledge gaps and optimize IRTT use in clinical settings.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:19Assessing Body Temperature - Temporal Artery
Here is a stepwise guide to assessing the body temperature at the temporal artery using a temporal artery thermometer
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene and don a fresh pair of gloves to prevent cross-infection and ensure patient safety.
Step 2: Explain the procedure to the patient to establish trust. Clear communication establishes trust with the patient, ensures they understand what to expect, promotes cooperation, and enhances comfort during the procedure.
Step 3: Assess the patient's forehead...
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene and don a fresh pair of gloves to prevent cross-infection and ensure patient safety.
Step 2: Explain the procedure to the patient to establish trust. Clear communication establishes trust with the patient, ensures they understand what to expect, promotes cooperation, and enhances comfort during the procedure.
Step 3: Assess the patient's forehead...
01:28Factors Affecting Body Temperature
As a nurse, it is vital to understand the factors affecting body temperature to monitor variations and effectively evaluate deviations from regular.
Factors may include:
Factors may include:
01:14Assessing Body Temperature - Axilla
Procedural Guide for Assessing Axillary Body Temperature using a Digital Thermometer:
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene and put on clean gloves to maintain infection control and prevent cross-contamination.
Step 2: Prepare the patient by explaining the procedure to ensure understanding and cooperation. Ensure privacy, expose the axilla, and inform the patient that minimal movement is crucial for an accurate reading.
Step 3: Adjust the patient’s clothing to expose only the axilla. It minimizes...
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene and put on clean gloves to maintain infection control and prevent cross-contamination.
Step 2: Prepare the patient by explaining the procedure to ensure understanding and cooperation. Ensure privacy, expose the axilla, and inform the patient that minimal movement is crucial for an accurate reading.
Step 3: Adjust the patient’s clothing to expose only the axilla. It minimizes...
01:14Temperature Measurement Sites
A thermometer measures body temperature. The common sites for measuring body temperature are the oral cavity, axillary region, temporal artery, and skin surface, such as the forehead, abdomen, and axilla. True core body temperature is assessed in the rectum, tympanic membrane, pulmonary artery, esophagus, and urinary bladder.
Oral: When assessing oral temperature, the thermometer tip should be placed under the tongue in the posterior sublingual pocket. It offers accurate readings and can be...
Oral: When assessing oral temperature, the thermometer tip should be placed under the tongue in the posterior sublingual pocket. It offers accurate readings and can be...
01:14Assessing Body Temperature - Tympanic membrane
Assessing tympanic membrane temperature involves using a tympanic membrane thermometer (TMT). Here is a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Begin by practicing good hand hygiene to prevent the transmission of microorganisms.
Step 2: Turn on the thermometer and wait until the ready sign appears on the screen to ensure accurate measurement.
Step 3: Slide the probe cover in place to prevent cross-contamination.
Step 4: Instruct the patient to tilt their head to the side for comfort and check for cerumen...
Step 1: Begin by practicing good hand hygiene to prevent the transmission of microorganisms.
Step 2: Turn on the thermometer and wait until the ready sign appears on the screen to ensure accurate measurement.
Step 3: Slide the probe cover in place to prevent cross-contamination.
Step 4: Instruct the patient to tilt their head to the side for comfort and check for cerumen...
01:27Assessing Body Temperature - Rectal
Rectal temperature measurement is considered the most precise method for assessing core body temperature and typically registers higher than oral temperature. For adults, the rectal thermometer should be inserted 1 to 1.5 inches into the rectum to obtain the most accurate reading.
Follow these steps for rectal temperature assessment:
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene and don clean gloves to prevent cross-infection.
Step 2: Position the patient in a side-lying position to better visualize the rectal...
Follow these steps for rectal temperature assessment:
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene and don clean gloves to prevent cross-infection.
Step 2: Position the patient in a side-lying position to better visualize the rectal...