Temperature measurement

b

1. TEMPERATURE MEASUREMENT BY ROBERT IGBEDE

2. INTRODUCTION One of the basic pieces of data collection necessary in the medical setting is body temperature. The measurement of body temperature may be helpful for monitoring whether a person is ill, or whether treatment is working. A high temperature is a fever .

3. What Controls Body Temperature The hypothalamus is the thermostat for the human body. Temperature receptors located all over the human body send signals to the heat and cold sensitive neurons in the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus then triggers the body to perform certain actions in order to keep the body within a "safe" range of temperature .

4. Temperature Techniques & Methods Temperatures can be different depending on: Type of Thermometer: Glass or Chemical Dots Electronic or Tympanic Body Site Oral , Axillary , Rectal, Ear

5. Types of Thermometer 1) Glass Once viewed as the “Gold Standard” Must be left in for several minutes Up to 7 minutes for an accurate temperature! Now associated with adverse events Rectal or oral trauma Breakable Mercury exposure

6. Chemical Dots Single use Disposable & inexpensive Axillary , Rectal, Oral Can be difficult to read Long measurement time needed Up to 7 minutes for an accurate temperature

7. Axillary Temperature Safe & inexpensive ~Often inaccurate because: Long measurement time needed Patient must be still Patient must be positioned or held Not recommended for young children Must document as an axillary temp and NOT an oral temp

8. Rectal Temperature Thought to be as accurate as an oral temp Needs lubrication Long measurement time needed ~ May cause rectal trauma & cannot be used with: 1) Newborns 2) Diarrhea 3) Rectal surgery or bleeding Patient may be embarrassed Patient must be positioned or held Must document as a rectal temp

9. Oral Temperature Comfortable & easy, no positioning needed ~Accurate temps when proper technique used Must place thermometer tip in left or right mouth pocket under tongue IS influenced by hot & cold fluids NOT influenced by breathing

10. Oral Temperature Long measurement time ~Should not be used with: Confused or uncooperative patients Infants & small children Oral surgery or oral trauma History of seizures or chills

11. Temperature Technology Automated Temperature Machines Electronic and infrared thermometers Convenient May save time & labor

12. What are Fahrenheit and Celsius? Thermometers are calibrated in either degrees Celsius (°C) or degrees Fahrenheit (°F), depending on the custom of the region. Temperatures are most often measured in degrees Celsius.

13. What is normal body temperature? The average "normal" body temperature ( oral temperature) is 37°C (98.6°F). It may actually be 0.6°C (1°F) or more above or below 37°C (98.6°F). Also, normal body temperature changes by as much as 0.6°C (1°F) throughout the day , depending on how active the person is and the time of day. Body temperature is very sensitive to hormone levels and may be higher or lower when a woman is ovulating or having her menstrual period.

14. Results: Body temperature Normal : The average normal temperature is 37°C (98.6°F). But "normal" varies from person to person. The temperature will also vary throughout the day, usually being lowest in the early morning and rising as much as 0.6°C (1°F) in the early evening. The temperature may also rise by 0.6°C (1°F) or more if you exercise on a hot day. A woman's body temperature typically varies by 0.6°C (1°F) or more through her menstrual cycle , peaking around the time of ovulation Abnormal : Oral, ear (tympanic), or rectal temperature Fever: 38°C (100.4°F) to 39.9°C (103.9°F) High fever: 40°C (104°F) and higher Armpit ( axillary ) temperature Fever: 37.4°C (99.4°F) to 39.4°C (102.9°F) High fever: 39.5°C (103°F) and higher A rectal or ear temperature of less than 36.1°C (97°F) means a low body temperature (hypothermia).

15. Temperature Measurement in the Clinic Welcoming presence Decrease any anxieties & fears Reassure patients & family

16. THANK YOU