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Related Concept Videos

Temperature Measurement Sites01:14

Temperature Measurement Sites

4.1K
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...
4.1K
Assessing Body Temperature - Axilla01:14

Assessing Body Temperature - Axilla

1.7K
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...
1.7K
Equipments Used to Measure Body Temperature01:13

Equipments Used to Measure Body Temperature

2.1K
Body temperature can be assessed using various devices and measured in Celsius or Fahrenheit.
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,...
2.1K
Assessing Body Temperature - Temporal Artery01:19

Assessing Body Temperature - Temporal Artery

1.6K
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...
1.6K
Assessing Body Temperature - Tympanic membrane01:14

Assessing Body Temperature - Tympanic membrane

1.4K
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...
1.4K
Assessing Body Temperature - Rectal01:27

Assessing Body Temperature - Rectal

14.9K
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...
14.9K

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Esophageal Heat Transfer for Patient Temperature Control and Targeted Temperature Management
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Esophageal Heat Transfer for Patient Temperature Control and Targeted Temperature Management

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Improving Pediatric Temperature Measurement in the ED.

Beth Hurwitz1, Joanne Brown, Gerry Altmiller

  • 1Beth Hurwitz is a staff nurse at Einstein Medical Center and Joanne Brown is a staff nurse at Einstein Healthcare Network, both in Philadelphia. Gerry Altmiller is a clinical nurse specialist consultant at Einstein Healthcare Network and an associate professor at the College of New Jersey in Ewing Township. Contact author: Beth Hurwitz, bkriegerrn@comcast.net. The authors have disclosed no potential conflicts of interest, financial or otherwise.

The American Journal of Nursing
|August 28, 2015
PubMed
Summary

Temporal artery thermometry is an accurate and preferred method for measuring pediatric temperature in emergency departments. This noninvasive technique improves patient satisfaction and streamlines the triage process compared to traditional rectal measurements.

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Area of Science:

  • Pediatric emergency medicine
  • Clinical quality improvement
  • Evidence-based practice

Background:

  • Debate exists among emergency department (ED) providers regarding optimal pediatric temperature measurement methods.
  • Rectal temperature measurement, while accurate, causes distress and increases triage time for pediatric patients.
  • Previous studies have examined temporal artery, tympanic membrane, axillary, and infrared methods.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the best practice for accurate temperature measurement in children under five years old in the ED.
  • To evaluate alternative, less invasive methods to rectal thermometry.

Main Methods:

  • An evidence-based quality improvement project was conducted by ED staff nurses.
  • Included an exhaustive literature search and review of relevant studies.
  • Developed a table of evidence and presented findings to recommend practice change.

Main Results:

  • Temporal artery thermometry was adopted as the preferred practice.
  • This noninvasive method provided consistently accurate temperature measurements.
  • Observed increased patient and nurse satisfaction and a shorter triage process.

Conclusions:

  • Temporal artery thermometry is a suitable, accurate, and preferred alternative to rectal thermometry in pediatric ED settings.
  • Implementation of this method enhances patient experience and operational efficiency.