Table of Contents
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
- Establish rapport with patient (Refer to steps)
- Explain procedure to patient (Refer to steps)
- Prepare and send tray to patient’s bedside
- Assist patient into an appropriate position
- Provide privacy
- Perform hand hygiene
- 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
- Press knob to show reading on the screen
- Clean the thermometer with a dry cotton wool swab from bulb to the stem
- 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
- Leave thermometer for two to three minutes or as indicated by manufacturer
- Removes thermometer after beep, read and record findings on the chart
- Clean thermometer from stem to the bulb or remove and dispose off probe cover if used
- Perform hand hygiene
- Discuss findings with patient and report any abnormalities detected to appropriate officer
- Chart readings of on observation 14 hourly chart (manual or electronic)
- Assist patient to return to a desirable position
- Dispose off used items and return thermometer back to its storage section