This is the process of measuring the amount of heat in the body which represents the balance between heat production and heat loss. Body temperature is usually measured by the use of digital clinical thermometer. The unit of measurement is degree centigrade (℃) and the normal range is 36.5℃ to 37.2℃. Sites for measuring the body temperature can be any part of the body using the digital thermometer.
Aims
· Determine the baseline values of a patient for future comparisons
· Detect changes and abnormalities in the condition of the patient
· Evaluate patient response to interventions
· Provide data to identify patient problems
Requirements
· Electronic thermometer (Oral, axilla, rectal)
· Breast watch or appropriate timer
· Dry cotton wool in gallipot
· Receiver for used swabs
· Temperature or observational chart (Manual or electronic)
· Pen
Steps
1. Establish rapport with patient (Refer to steps)
2. Explain procedure to patient (Refer to steps)
3. Prepare and send tray to patient’s bedside
4. Assist patient into an appropriate position
5. Provide privacy
6. Perform hand hygiene
7. Expose and clean area where temperature will be taken, if:
· Axilla – move clothing away from the patient shoulder and arm to expose the axilla and dry with clean cotton wool
· Temporal – ensure that forehead is dry and wipe with dry cotton wool
· Oral – ensure the mouth is empty
· Rectal – move clothing away and expose the rectal area are cleaned with a clean soap
8. Press knob to show reading on the screen
9. Clean the thermometer with a dry cotton wool swab from bulb to the stem
10. Check temperature as follows:
· Axilla – inserts thermometer into the axilla between two skin folds
· Temporal – place the probe flush on patient’s forehead
· Oral – slide a clean disposable plastic cover over the temperature probe and place it gently under the tongue
· Rectal – slide a clean disposable plastic cover over the temperature probe and place it gently into the rectum
11. Leave thermometer for two to three minutes or as indicated by manufacturer
12. Removes thermometer after beep, read and record findings on the chart
13. Clean thermometer from stem to the bulb or remove and dispose off probe cover if used
14. Perform hand hygiene
15. Discuss findings with patient and report any abnormalities detected to appropriate officer
16. Chart readings of on observation 14 hourly chart (manual or electronic)
17. Assist patient to return to a desirable position
18. Dispose off used items and return thermometer back to its storage section
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