We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process. Show Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind. Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:
We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness. Monitoring your body temperature can tell you important things about your health. Normal body temperature runs around 98.6°F (37°C), on average. However, some people have a body temperature that’s usually a bit warmer or cooler than average, and that’s normal. Having a temperature that’s much warmer or cooler than your usual temperature, though, may indicate some kind of health problem, such as fever caused by infection or low body temperature caused by hypothermia. Body temperature is often measured by placing a thermometer in the mouth. But there are four other ways to take body temperature, and these involve different body parts:
Ear, oral, and rectal temperatures are considered the most accurate readings of actual body temperature. Underarm (axillary) and forehead temperatures are considered to be the least accurate because they’re taken outside of the body rather than inside. These temperatures can be as much as a full degree lower than oral body temperature. But just because underarm temperature isn’t very precise doesn’t mean that it isn’t useful. It can be a good way to screen for changes in body temperature. A digital thermometer is useful for taking underarm temperature. Don’t use a mercury thermometer, which can be dangerous if it breaks. To measure underarm temperature:
When taking axillary temperature, it can be useful to compare it to ear, oral, and rectal temperature readings, which are more precise. Use the following chart to find the ear, oral, or rectal reading that corresponds to the axillary reading. Underarm temperature is considered the safest way to check the body temperature of children under 3 months old. It’s also commonly used to check temperature in infants to 5-year-olds because it’s one of the easiest, least invasive methods. Take a child’s underarm temperature the same way you’d take your own. Hold the thermometer to keep it in place, and make sure they don’t move around while the thermometer is underneath their arm, which can throw off the reading. If their temperature reads higher than 99°F (37°C), confirm this temperature using a rectal thermometer, as your child may have a fever. Taking rectal temperature is a safe way to get a very accurate body temperature reading in young children. It’s important to confirm fever as quickly as possible in young children and get them to a doctor as soon as possible once one is detected. To take a child’s rectal temperature:
Ear thermometers are also safe to use in children over 6 months old. Oral thermometers aren’t recommended for young children, as they often have trouble keeping the thermometer under their tongue long enough for a temperature reading to be taken. It’s considered safe to take a child’s forehead temperature but be sure to use a forehead thermometer made for this purpose and not forehead strips. There are several ways to measure a person’s body temperature. Here’s how to measure temperature in areas other than the underarm: EarEar temperature usually reads a bit lower than rectal temperature. To take ear temperature, you need a special ear thermometer. Here’s how to use it:
ForeheadForehead temperature is the next most accurate reading behind ear, oral, and rectal temperatures. It also doesn’t cause much discomfort and getting a reading is very fast. To take forehead temperature, use a forehead thermometer. Some slide across the forehead others are held stationary in one area. To use it:
Forehead strips aren’t considered an accurate way of reading forehead temperature. You should use a forehead or other thermometer instead. Shop for ear and forehead thermometers online. MouthOral temperature is considered to be almost as accurate as rectal temperature. It’s the most common way to measure temperature in older children and adults. To take oral temperature, use a digital thermometer. Wait at least 30 minutes to use an oral thermometer if you’ve eaten or had something hot or cold.
RectumRectal temperature is considered the most accurate temperature reading. This is most useful for keeping track of temperature in children who tend to be more sensitive to changes in body temperature than adults. The steps for taking a child’s rectal temperature are outlined above in the section “How to measure an infant or toddler’s temperature.” Never use the same rectal thermometer to take an oral temperature. Make sure the thermometers are clearly marked, which can prevent you or someone else from accidentally using it in your child’s mouth. Shop for digital thermometers, which can be used to take oral, rectal, or underarm temperatures, online. Normal body temperature may be a bit warmer or cooler than the average, 98.6°F (37°C), and how you measure that temperature also affects what’s normal. However, the general guidelines show what’s considered a fever using the different body temperature measurement methods: Symptoms of a fever depend on its cause. Some causes include:
Yet, some of the most common symptoms with various causes include:
Children between 6 months and 5 years old might also experience febrile (fever) seizures. According to the Mayo Clinic, about a third of children who have one febrile seizure will experience another, often within the following 12 months. Fevers can be dangerous, especially in:
Seek prompt medical advice if your child shows any signs of fever, especially an elevated body temperature. There are some things you can do at home to bring down your child’s body temperature when waiting for medical help. Older adults should also seek prompt medical help for a fever. Otherwise healthy adults should also seek help for a high fever or a fever that lasts longer than a day. One of the most common causes of fever is infection, which requires immediate medical attention to treat. A course of antibiotics can usually wipe out the infection that’s causing a fever. Fever can cause life threatening seizures, especially in infants and children. Seek medical guidance if your child has a fever. Low body temperature can also be a cause for concern. Medical emergency There are several ways to take a person’s body temperature, each with varying degrees of accuracy. Using underarm temperature is a safe and effective way to monitor body temperature, especially in younger children. However, it isn’t the most accurate method. So if you suspect a fever in a young child, it’s best to confirm their body temperature using a rectal or ear thermometer. If they’re old enough to keep a thermometer under their tongue that would be an option as well. Prompt treatment of a high fever and its causes can reduce the risks of fever symptoms and possible complications. Which temperature method would not be the preferred route to use on an infant?Mouth. Because a glass thermometer can break if a child bites down on it, this method is not recommended for children younger than 5 years old.
When taking a patient's vital signs what is considered one respiration quizlet?When taking a patient's vital signs, what is considered one respiration? Respiratory rate: A person's respiratory rate is the number of breaths you take per minute. The normal respiration rate for an adult at rest is 12 to 20 breaths per minute.
Which pulse site would the nurse assess for circulation of blood to the foot?Check for either the dorsalis pedis pulse (on the top of the foot) or the posterior tibial pulse (located behind the medial malleolus — the ankle bone). For dorsalis pedis, first, visualize because you might see the skin pulsating above the artery.
|