Procedure 37-1

OSHA Guideline: Wash hands and have a biohazard waste bin nearby for use

Procedure Goal: To accurately measure patient temperature while preventing the spread of infection

Measuring and Recording TemperaturePROCEDURE 37-1

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Materials: Thermometer, probe cover if required by thermometer, lubricant for rectal temperature, gloves, trash receptacle, patient’s chart or progress note, black pen if recording in a paper record

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STEP 4 PROCEDURE 37-1

Prepare the patienta. Oral—If the patient has had anything to eat, including chewing gum, or drink or has been smoking, wait at least 15 minutes before measuring the temperature orally. b. Rectal—Have the patient remove the appropriate clothing; assist as needed. Have the patient lie on their left side (Sims’) and drape for comfort. c. Axillary—Assist the patient to expose the axilla. Provide for privacy and comfort. Pat dry the axilla. d. Temporal or Tympanic—If a hat is worn, ask the patient to remove it. Brush aside any hair that is blocking the ear canal or temporal artery.

STEP 5PROCEDURE 37-1

Prepare the equipmenta. Prepare an electronic thermometer by inserting the probe into the probe cover if necessary.b. Prepare a disposable thermometer by removing the wrapper to expose the handle end. Avoid touching the part of the thermometer that goes in the mouth or on the skin.c. Prepare a temporal scanner by removing the protective cap and making sure the lens is clean.

STEP 6PROCEDURE 37-1

Measure the temperaturea. Oral—Place the thermometer under the tongue in the back of the mouth on one side. Have the patient hold it in place with their lips and tongue. Wait for the electronic thermometer to beep or indicate completion. For a disposable thermometer, wait the required time, usually 60 seconds.b. Rectal—Put on gloves. Lubricate the thermometer tip. Raise the buttock with one hand to expose the anus and insert the thermometer into the anal canal using your other hand, to a depth of approximately 1 inch for adults and 1⁄2 inch for infants and children. Hold the thermometer securely in place until the indicator beeps or blinks.c. Axillary—Place the thermometer into the axilla, making sure the tip is in direct contact with the top of the axilla and is touching skin on all sides. Hold the arm firmly against the body until the indicator light blinks or beeps or the proper amount of time has passed.d. Tympanic—Hold the outer edge of the ear (pinna) with your free hand. Gently pull the pinna up and back for adults and down and back for children. Insert the probe into the ear canal directed toward the eardrum and sealing the ear canal. Press the scan button.e. Temporal—Position the probe flat on the center of the exposed forehead. Press and hold the SCAN button and then slide the thermometer straight across the forehead until it beeps and the red light blinks.

Drop the object directly into an approved puncture-proof container for sharps. Engage safety device, if indicated.

Step 4

Wash your hands and explain the procedure to the patient.

Step 3

Drop the object directly into an approved puncture-proof container for sharps. Engage safety device, if indicated.

Step 4

Drop the object directly into an approved puncture-proof container for sharps. Engage safety device, if indicated.

Step 4

Wash your hands.

Step 10

Identify the patient and introduce yourself.

Step 2

Gather the equipment and make sure the thermometer is in working order.

Step 1

Report any results that are outside the normal values.

Step 11

Record the results.

Step 8

Drop the object directly into an approved puncture-proof container for sharps. Engage safety device, if indicated.

Step 4

Help the patient to replace clothing as necessary. Clear the area and provide for safety and comfort for the patient.

Step 9

Remove and read the measurement in the display or on the thermometer. Discard the disposable thermometer. Eject and discard the probe cover for an electronic thermometer. Replace the cap and/or place the thermometer into the charging base.

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