Related Experiment Videos
Effect of tachypnea on oral temperature estimation: a replication
Nursing Research
|July 1, 1986
Summary
Tachypnea, or rapid breathing, significantly affects oral temperature readings in intensive care unit patients. This finding supports previous research, highlighting the importance of respiratory rate in accurate temperature measurement.
Area of Science:
- Medical intensive care
- Clinical thermometry
Background:
- Accurate temperature measurement is crucial in critical care settings.
- Previous research by Tandberg and Sklar (1983) indicated an effect of respiratory rate on temperature readings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To replicate Tandberg and Sklar's study on the effect of tachypnea on oral temperature measurement.
- To investigate the relationship between respiratory rate and rectal/oral temperature difference.
Main Methods:
- Examined 53 patients in a medical intensive care unit.
- Compared rectal/oral temperature differences between patients with normal respiratory rates (≤20 breaths/min) and tachypnea (>20 breaths/min).
Main Results:
- A statistically significant difference in mean rectal/oral temperature difference was found between the normal and tachypnea groups (t = -3.26, p < .01).
- A positive correlation was observed between respiratory rate and rectal/oral temperature difference (r = .33, p < .05).
Conclusions:
- Tachypnea significantly impacts oral temperature measurements in ICU patients.
- Findings support previous research, confirming the influence of respiratory rate on temperature accuracy.