body temperature conversion oral vs. axillary

#Body temperature conversion oral vs. axillary how to#

Center the probe tip in the ear and push gently inward toward the eardrum.Ĭhildren older than 1 year of age and adults:.Place probe in ear canal and turn thermometer on. If probe is not clean, wipe gently with a dry cloth.On a cold day, your child should be indoors for at least 15 minutes before taking an ear temperature.Requires a special thermometer, that should only be used for checking ear temperatures Follow thermometer instructions for how long to leave it in the rectum.Press the buttocks together to help keep the thermometer in place.Hold it in place with two fingers close to the rectum (not near the end of the thermometer) at all times. Do not force the thermometer into the rectum.Spread the buttocks with one hand and gently insert the thermometer end about 1 inch into the rectum with your other hand.Turn babies or small children face down on your lap or on a flat, covered surface, such as a bed.Vaseline®) on the end of the thermometer so it can be inserted easily into the rectum. Apply a lubricant or petroleum jelly (e.g. Check with your doctor’s office before checking a rectal temperature as some doctors prefer that parents use other methods. Rectal perforation can occur if the thermometer is not used properly. Do not leave the child alone when taking a rectal temperature. Recommended for children younger than 4 years of age, anyone who cannot hold a thermometer safely in their mouths or anyone who has a stuffy nose. Throw disposable cover in the trash clean thermometer.Follow thermometer instructions for how long to leave it in the mouth.Place the thermometer under the tongue, to one side of the center, and close the lips tightly around it. Make sure the child’s mouth is clear of gum, candy and food.Recommended for anyone older than 4 years of age who can cooperate and understand directions.

#Body temperature conversion oral vs. axillary how to#

How to take a temperature Oral temperature Be sure to read decimal places correctly-104° is not the same as 100.4°.

When you call the doctor, report the actual reading on the thermometer, and say where the temperature was taken.

Do not smoke or eat/drink anything hot or cold for 10 minutes before taking an oral temperature.

Do not take an oral temperature if the person has a stuffy nose.

If you don’t have a cover, clean the thermometer after each use as advised by the manufacturer.

Use a new disposable cover for each use do not reuse disposable covers.

Choose thermometers that are easy for you to use.

It may be helpful to practice on healthy family members to be sure you’re using the thermometer correctly.

Read all directions before using the thermometer, and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions exactly.

Never use a thermometer to take an oral temperature after it has been used to take a rectal temperature – even if it has been cleaned.

Keep separate, marked thermometers for rectal, oral and armpit readings.

Always stay with your child when a thermometer is in place.

Call your local government for disposal instructions.

Do not use because mercury is toxic and can be released if the thermometer breaks.

Not as accurate as other types of thermometers.

Can be used for people 6 months of age or olderįever strips / pacifier thermometers / forehead thermometers.

Small ear probe inserted gently into the ear canal.

Can be used in the mouth, rectum, or armpit.Choosing a thermometer Digital thermometers If you are worried about your child being sick, please call your doctor.

Any sudden change in your child’s eating or sleeping habits is important, along with any irritability. Your child may be sick, but not have a fever.Īlthough temperature is important, your child’s appearance and behavior are also important signs of the severity of an illness.