Vital Sign View On Temperature

 

Temperature

OVERVIEW

Temperature is a normal physiology of the living organism include human organism and also mainly come under vital sign and include in  nursing procedure of the nursing field.so nurses must to be know that nursing procedure protocol and guidelines.

DEFINITION

Elevated body temperature is called thermoregulation of the organisms and mostly called as fever. Fever is considered an significane of  body defense mechanism for destroying infectious microorganisms such as viral,bacterial etc.

PURPOSE

• to regulate the vital organism of body

• to maintain the living organism

• to survive the lifestyle 

• to maintain external and internal environment

• to provide the thermia to human body

• to assess and monitor the body 

PROCEDURE

1. Temperatures are taken as ordered by the physician, as instructed by the nurse and following facility policy. Elevated temperatures (greater than 99 orally or 100 rectally) are generally taken every 4 hours.

2. Recheck unusual high or low temperatures (oral <97 and >99, axillary < 96 and > 98, rectally < 98 and > 100) with another thermometer, and report rechecked unusual temperatures to the nurse or physician immediately.

3. If the patient has just finished smoking, eating or drinking anything cold or hot, wait about 15 minutes before taking an oral temperature.

Oral Temperature

1. Attach a probe cover to the thermometer.
2. Remember to ask the patient when they last ate, drank, or smoked. If the patient has done any of these, it is recommended to wait 15-30 minutes before taking the temperature.
   
   
   
3. Place the thermometer under the patient’s tongue in the posterior sublingual pocket. Instruct the patient to keep their mouth closed and breathe at a normal rate to ensure the tissue maintains a consistent temperature.

Axillary Temperature

1. Attach the probe cover to the thermometer.
2. Place the bulb of the thermometer in the center of the axilla or armpit. 
3. Make sure none of the patient’s clothing is between the thermometer and the patient’s skin, as this could result in a false reading. 
4. Place the arm tightly across the chest to prevent movement of the thermometer.
5. While the axilla temperature is noninvasive, it is the least accurate method.
6. The axillary temperature is always one degree lower than the oral route.
7. A normal axillary reading is 97.6 degrees.
8. The proper placement of bulb is in the center of the axilla. Pat the armpit dry with tissue or ask patient to do it if able. 
9. Moisture can affect the reading.

Rectal Temperature

1. Attach a probe cover to the thermometer.
2. Ask the patient to assume a lateral position or lay on their side. Place a newborn either on his/her side or stomach. Place a young child on his/her side with knees flexed, or prone across the lap.
3. Afterward Place now lubricant on the probe up to about 1 inch to 2 inch above the bulb of the thermometer. 
4.  Insert the thermometer between 0.5 inches to 1.5 inches depending on the patient’s size and age. (Infant 0.5 inches, Child 0.9 inches, Adult 1.5 inches). The rectal route is thought to be the most reliable measurement of temperature. The reading is always one degree higher than the oral route.             
5. A normal rectal temperature is 99.6 degrees.
6. Before performing this method, use clean glove and instruct the patient to take a slow deep breath during insertion. Never force the thermometer if you felt resistance.
7.  Report and record that any elevated temperatures to the Ward Nurse or Physician in charge of the patient.
8. For adults, insert 3.5 cm or 1 1/2 inch

How to Convert Degree Celsius to Fahrenheit, or vise versa?

Our body temperature is measured in heat called degrees on two scales, the Celsius and Fahrenheit. The basic conversion of temperature is very important in clinical settings.

Convert Fahrenheit To Celsius Degree

To convert from Fahrenheit to Celsius just deduct 32 from the Fahrenheit and then multiply by 5/9
C= (Degree Fahrenheit – 32) X 5/9

Convert Celsius To Fahrenheit Degree

To convert from Celsius to Fahrenheit, multiply the Celsius by 9/5 and then add 32
F= (Degree Celsius X 9/5) + 32

How use a glass thermometer?

There should not be anything hot or cold in your mouth for 10 minutes before taking a temperature.

1. Hold the thermometer by the end opposite the colored (red, blue, or silver) tip.
2. Clean the thermometer with soap and warm water or rubbing alcohol. Rinse with cool water.
3. Turn the thermometer in your hand until you see the red, blue, or silver line. The line should read less than 96° F (35.6° C). If the line reads more than 96° F (35.6° C), firmly shake the thermometer downward several times. Shake the thermometer over a couch or bed. This will keep it from breaking if it slips out of your hand.
4. Check the thermometer again to make sure it reads less than 96°F (35.6°C).
5. With your mouth open, put the end with the red, blue, or silver-colored tip under your tongue.
6. Close your lips gently around the thermometer. Do not bite the glass thermometer.
7. Keep the thermometer under your tongue for 3 minutes.
8. Remove the thermometer without touching the tip.
9. Gently wipe the thermometer with a tissue.
10. Hold the thermometer at eye level.
11. Slowly turn the thermometer until you see the red, blue, or silver-colored line. Each long mark on the thermometer is the same as 1 degree. Short marks are the same as 0.2 degree.
12. Your caregiver may want you to keep a temperature record. Write down the time and your temperature each time you take it.
13. Wash the thermometer with soap and warm water. Do not use hot water because it may break the thermometer.