Vital SignsTemperature Auraltympanic and Rectal Health Sciences 2

Vital Signs-Temperature Aural/tympanic and Rectal Health Sciences 2

The Basics of Aural Temperature �Also called tympanic temperature in reference to the eardrum (aka the tympanic membrane) �Thermometer detects and measures thermal, infrared energy radiating from the blood vessels in the eardrum �Measures body core temperature

Reasons for �Quick for infants and small children �When it is contraindicated for oral such as patient’s with limited consciousness or seizures

Contraindications �Ear canal misshapen �A lot of ear wax in canal �Active middle ear infection �Sore ear �Recent ear surgery

Type of Thermometer • Hand held temperature probe with disposable tip cover. • Digital recording and reading • Thermometer beeps usually within 2 seconds.

Measuring Aural Temperature � Infants under 1 year �Pull ear pinna straight back � Infants over 1 year and adults �Pull ear pinna straight back and down � Positioning the pinna correctly straightens the auditory canal so the probe will point directly at the tympanic membrane �Pull ear pinna straight back and down

Taking Aural Temperature

Basics of Rectal Temperature �Can use either clinical or electronic thermometer �It is an internal measurement �It is the most accurate �Frequently taken on infants and small children

Reasons for Taking Rectal Temperature � The rectal procedure is normally used for an infant or young child � It can also be used for a patient who is unconscious or irrational � If your patient has difficulty breathing with his mouth closed, you could use rectal � The rectal route is used in the case of any suspected environmental injury such as heatstroke or hypothermia.

Contraindications for Rectal Temperature � If the patient has a heart condition; you can stimulate the Vagus nerve and cause cardiac arrythmias � If the patient has hemorrhoids; its an enlarged vein and you can cause bleeding and pain as a result � If the patient has recently under gone rectal, anal, vaginal, or prostate surgery. � If the patient has diarrhea; you can stimulate bowel movement � If the patient has fecal impaction (you can record incorrect temperature) � If the patient has bleeding tendencies from medications such as heparin or low platelets � And age related contraindications; if patient over 80 years old

Types of Thermometers �Electronic �Can be used for oral, rectal, or axillary �Blue probe for oral �Red probe for rectal RED=RECTAL �Disposable probe covers prevent crosscontamination

Types of Thermometer � Clinical thermometers �Slender glass tube containing mercury or colored fluid �Types �Oral – blue tip, long slender bulb, marked oral �Security – plain tip �Rectal – red tip, short stubby bulb, marked rectal

Measuring Rectal Temperature �Follow standard precautions/wash hands and glove �Have thermometer, probe cover, and lubricant �If adult, place patient on left side in Sim’s position �If infant, place on abdomen or lay on their back with legs secured �Use lubricant on tip of thermometer and gently insert 1 -1 ½ inches into the rectum for adult and ½-1 inch into rectum for infant �Hold in place for 3 -5 minutes �Do not let go of thermometer-it can slide in further or break

Procedure 15: 2 C Please refer to DHO pages 423 -424 for complete and proper procedure of measuring rectal temperature. Infant Adult