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

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

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

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

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

6. 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

7. Taking Aural Temperature

8. 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

9. 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.

10. 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

11. 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 cross- contamination

12. 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

13. 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

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