Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 4, 2026

Esophageal Heat Transfer for Patient Temperature Control and Targeted Temperature Management
Published on: November 21, 2017
[Methods of first-choice for clinical temperature measurement in Danish hospital wards]
Rasmus Smith1, Peter Michael Wøldike, Allan Linneberg
1Glostrup Hospital, Forskningscenter for Forebyggelse og Sundhed-Region Hovedstaden, Glostrup. rasmus.smith@gmail.com
Introduction:
The aim was to investigate the methods of first-choice for clinical temperature measurement in Danish hospital wards.
Materials And Methods:
A questionnaire study involving 444 Danish hospital wards specialised in internal medicine, orthopaedic surgery, abdominal surgery or paediatrics.
Results:
348 hospital wards (78%) responded to the questionnaire. Ear and rectal temperature measurement were the most frequent methods of first-choice in Danish hospital wards (44% and 50%, respectively). There was a statistically significant difference in the method of first-choice between specialties and between the regions of Denmark. Regardless of specialty and region both methods were frequently used as first-choice.
Conclusion:
Our results reflect a lack of consensus on the method of first-choice in daily clinical assessment of temperature in Danish hospital wards.
Related Concept Videos
Temperature Measurement Sites
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...
Equipments Used to Measure Body Temperature
Glass-bulb Thermometer:
Glass-bulb thermometers are hollow glass tubes with a bulb tip containing liquid such as ethanol or mercury. Historically, glass bulb mercury thermometers were the standard device to measure body temperature. Today, mercury thermometers are prohibited in many countries due to the hazardous effects of mercury and the risk of exposure if the glass bulb breaks. In general,...
Assessing Body Temperature - Tympanic membrane
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...
Assessing Body Temperature - Temporal Artery
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...
Assessing Body Temperature - 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...
Assessing Body Temperature - Axilla
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...
