1. Stephanie Oliver, DNP, RN
Temperature
Stephanie Oliver, DNP, RN

2. Body Temperature
Difference between the amount of heat produced by body processes and the amount of heat lost to external environment
Heat produced – Heat lost = Body
temperature

3. Conversion of Fahrenheit and Celsius
F = (C x 9/5 or 1.8) + 32
C = (F – 32) x 5/9 or

4. Normal Range Throughout Life Cycle
Newborn range – F
Infants and children – same as adults
Elderly – Avg 96.8F
Adults degree F
Adult Avg 98.6 F Oral
Adult Avg 99.6 F Rectal
Adult Avg 97.6 F Ax

5. Factors Affecting Body Temp
Age ( newborn- temp control mechanism immature, elderly- sensitive to temp changes)
Circadian rhythm (temp normally changes 0.9 to 1.8 degree F /24hr Lowest 1-4AM Max-6PM )
Stress
Environment
Exercise
Hormonal level

6. TEMPERATURE
Body temperature can be measured several different ways: oral, axillary, rectal, temporal and tympanic
Rectal temperature is the most accurate, but mostly used on infants and small children
Mercury thermometers are no longer used because of the dangers of a mercury spill

7. TYPES OF THERMOMETERS

8. READING A THERMOMETER

9. Oral Temperature
Accessible
Dependable
Accurate
Convenient

10. Oral Temperature
Wait minutes after eating, drinking, chewing gum or smoking
If mouth breather-do not take orally
Leave in place 3–5 minutes with glass thermometer

11. Axillary Temperature Safe Non-invasive Least accurate
Hold glass thermometer in place for 10 min

12. Tympanic Temperature Non-invasive Safe Accurate Disadvantages
Excessive cerumen
Improper technique
Adults–pull pinna of ear up & back
Children-under 3y/o-pull pinna of ear down & back

13. Temporal Thermometer

14. Rectal Temperature MOST accurate MUST hold thermometer in place
DO Not take hand from thermometer while rectal in progress
Use on patients with very high temp, unconscious, infants, toddlers
Do not take rectal temp on clients with heart conditions
Leave in place 3-5 min with glass thermometer
Lubricate thermometer