Introduction

It is important to be able to accurately take temperature regardless of the method used. Read through the steps below before watching the demonstration videos.

Procedure Steps
Demonstration Videos
Google Docs

Oral, Tympanic, Axillary, Rectal, and Temporal Temperatures

Gather Supplies: Thermometer; probe covers for oral, rectal, axillary, or tympanic thermometer. See the image at the end of this checklist for an image of various types of thermometers.
Routine Pre-Procedure Steps:
- Knock on the client’s door.
- Perform hand hygiene.
- Introduce yourself and identify the resident.
- Maintain respectful, courteous, and professional communication at all times.
- Provide for privacy.
- Explain the procedure to the client.
Procedure Steps:
- Oral temperature
  - Remove the probe from the device.
  - Slide a probe cover (from the attached box) onto the oral thermometer without touching the probe cover with your hands.
  - Place the thermometer under the client’s tongue at either side of the base of the tongue.
  - Instruct the person to keep their mouth closed.
  - Leave the thermometer in place for as long as is indicated by the device manufacturer, usually indicated by a beep.
  - Read the digital display of the results.
  - Discard the probe cover in the garbage without touching the cover.
  - Place the probe back into the device.
- Tympanic temperature
  - Remove the tympanic thermometer from its holder.
  - Place a probe cover on the thermometer tip without touching the probe cover with your hands.
  - Ask the client to keep their head still.
  - For an adult or older child, gently pull the outer ear up and back to visualize the ear canal.
  - For an infant or child under age 3, gently pull the outer ear down.
  - Insert the probe just inside the ear canal.
  - Do not force the thermometer into the ear.
  - Hold the device in place until it beeps (within a few seconds after the temperature is measured).
  - Read the results displayed.
  - Discard the probe cover in the garbage without touching the cover.
  - Place the device back into the holder.
- Axillary temperature
  - Remove the probe from the device.
  - Place a probe cover (from the attached box) on the thermometer without touching the cover with your hands.
  - Ask the client to raise their arm or gently raise their arm for them.
  - With the probe facing towards the back of the resident, place the thermometer probe in the armpit on bare skin as high up into the axilla as possible.
  - Ask the patient to lower their arm or gently lower it for them.
  - Leave the device in place until it beeps, usually about 10–20 seconds.
  - Read the displayed results.
  - Discard the probe cover in the garbage without touching the cover.
  - Place the probe back into the device.
- Rectal temperature (Use the red probe)
  - Put on gloves.
  - Position the patient:
    - For infants, place them in a supine position and raise their legs upwards toward their chest.
    - For older children and adults, assist them into a side lying position and explain the procedure.
  - Remove the probe from the device.
  - Place a probe cover (from the attached box) on the thermometer.
  - Lubricate the cover with a water-based lubricant.
  - Gently insert the probe 2–3 cm or less inside the anus, depending on the patient’s size.
  - Remove the probe when the device beeps.
  - Read the result.
  - Discard the probe cover in the trash can without touching it.
  - Cleanse the device as indicated by agency policy.
  - Remove gloves, turning them inside out and discard.
  - Perform hand hygiene.
- Temporal temperature
  - Remove eyeglasses from the client if they are worn.
  - Place the sensor on their forehead, ensuring good skin contact.
  - Slowly slide the thermometer across the forehead to the ear, maintaining contact with the skin at all times.
  - Stop when the sensor reaches the hairline and read the displayed result.
Post-Procedure Steps:
- Check for resident comfort and ask if anything else is needed.
- Ensure the bed is low and locked. Check the brakes.
- Place the call light or signaling device within reach of the resident.
- Open the door and privacy curtain.
- Perform hand hygiene.
- Document temperature and report abnormal findings to the nurse.

Four Thermometers, including temporal, tympanic, and oral.jpg

> This information can be found in Section 7.8 of the book.

Please click on the links below to access the skills checklists. These checklists can be printed and cut out for an in-class activity.

Skills Checklist: Oral Temperature

Skills Checklist: Tympanic Temperature

Skills Checklist: Axillary Temperature

Skills Checklist: Rectal Temperature

Skills Checklist: Temporal Temperature

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