Menu Close

What is the correct way to measure temperature?

What is the correct way to measure temperature?

There are 4 ways to take (measure) a temperature:

  1. Under the armpit (axillary method)
  2. In the mouth (oral method)
  3. In the ear (tympanic method)
  4. In the rectum/bum (rectal method)

When you read a Fahrenheit thermometer the short line means what?

Reading a glass thermometer Fahrenheit thermometers have long and short lines. Every other long line is an even degree from 94° to 108° F. The short lines mean 0.2 (two-tenths) of a degree (see Fig. 31-1, A and C).

How do I check my temperature with a thermometer?

Using a digital thermometer

  1. Clean the tip with cold water and soap, then rinse it.
  2. Turn the thermometer on.
  3. Put the tip under your tongue, towards the back of your mouth.
  4. Close your lips around the thermometer.
  5. Wait until it beeps or flashes.
  6. Check the temperature on the display.

What is the most accurate way to measure core temperature?

Taking a rectal measurement is the most reliable way to obtain a core temperature value. Result variation with this type of measurement is low and the precision is particularly high. The normal temperature range is approximately between 36.6 °C and 38.0 °C.

How do you measure body temperature in Fahrenheit?

Armpit temperature Press the arm against the body, and leave the thermometer in place for the required amount of time. Time yourself with a watch or clock. Remove the thermometer and read it. An armpit temperature reading may be as much as 1°F (0.6°C) lower than an oral temperature reading.

When reading the temperature in the thermometer What should you do?

When you read the temperature on a thermometer, it should be vertical and your eyes should be level with the top of the liquid in the glass tube. Avoid handling the thermometer when you take your readings. The heat from your hands will transfer to the glass causing its temperature to rise.

Where should thermometer be placed?

These include:

  1. Oral: For this method, the thermometer is placed under the tongue.
  2. Rectal: For this method, the thermometer is inserted gently into the rectum.
  3. Axillary: For this method, the thermometer is placed in the armpit for young children or adults whose temperature can’t safely be done orally.

Where is the most accurate place to take the body temperature?

Rectal temps
Rectal temps are the most accurate. Forehead temps are the next most accurate. Oral and ear temps are also accurate if done properly. Temps done in the armpit are the least accurate.

What is a fever in Fahrenheit?

Fever. In most adults, an oral or axillary temperature above 37.6°C (99.7°F) or a rectal or ear temperature above 38.1°C (100.6°F) is considered a fever. A child has a fever when his or her rectal temperature is higher than 38°C (100.4°F) or armpit (axillary) temperature is higher than 37.5°C (99.5°F).

Which is the correct way to hold a thermometer?

(If you held the bulb end, your body heat could cause the temperature reading to increase if the temperature of your fingers is greater than the temperature shown on the thermometer.) Normally, the end of the thermometer is held with the fingertips of the right hand as shown in figure 2-1 A.

How are temperature scales used in a thermometer?

Thermometers measure temperature according to well-defined scales of measurement. The three most common temperature scales are Fahrenheit, Celsius, and Kelvin. Temperature scales are created by identifying two reproducible temperatures. The freezing and boiling temperatures of water at standard atmospheric pressure are commonly used.

What does the Arrow mean on a Celsius thermometer?

D Same temperature on a Celsius thermometer. NOTE: In order to assist you with reading the patient’s temperature, most thermometers have an arrow pointing to the line denoting the average normal body temperature (98.6º F or 37º C).

What kind of thermometer is used in the United States?

Traditionally slow to adopt the metric system and other accepted units of measurements, the United States more commonly uses the Fahrenheit temperature scale. A thermometer can be calibrated using the Fahrenheit scale in a similar manner as was described above.