Temperature

Question 1

What is the definiton of vital sign temperature?

Answer 1

Determines the relationship of heat production and heat loss

Question 2

What is the most common reason for fever?

Answer 2

Infection

Question 3

What are temperature measurements taken in?

Answer 3

• Degrees Fahrenheit (°F)
• Degrees Celsius (centigrade, °C)

Question 4

What is normal adult temperature?

Answer 4

• 98.6 °F
• 37.0 °C

Question 5

Define Febrile

Answer 5

Fever greater than 100.5 °F (sign of inflammation or inflection)

Question 6

Define Afebrile

Answer 6

Normal temperature (98.6-99.1°F)

Question 7

Define Pyrexia

Answer 7

Fever

Question 8

Define Hyperpyrexia

Answer 8

Extremely high temperature

Question 9

What are the different type of thermometers that can be used?

Answer 9

• Orally-electronic or digital
• Aurally (ear)-Tympanic
• Temporally-temporal scanner
• Axillary (under the arm) (least accurate)-Electronic or digital
• Rectally (most accurate)-Electronic or digital

Question 10

What is the normal temperatures of the thermometers listed:
* Orally
* Aurally (ear)
* Temporally
* Axillary (under the arm)
* Rectally

Answer 10

• Orally- 98.6°F
• Aurally (ear)- 98.6°F
• Temporally-98.6°F
• Axillary (under the arm)-97.6°F
• Rectally-99.6°F

Question 11

Explain the technique for taking Oral temperature

Answer 11

• Place under tongue in one pocket just off-center in lower jaw
• Insure patient does not talk
• Wait at least 15 minutes after eating, drinking or smoking
• Normal 98.6°F

Review Procedure notes pg 3-4

Question 12

Explain the technique for taking Tympanic temperature

Answer 12

• Proper technique is essential
• Fit in the ear must be snug
• Normal 98.6°F
• Adult: pull ear up and back
• Child: pull ear down and bakc

Review Procedure notes pg 3-4

Question 13

Explain the technique for taking Temporal temperature

Answer 13

• Stroke scanner across forehead, crossing over the temporal artery
• Normal 98.6°F
• New-infrared thermometers (thermal)- direct laser in the middle of the forehead

Review Procedure notes pg 3-4

Question 14

Explain the technique for taking Axillary temperature

Answer 14

• Least accurate
• 1 degree lower-Normal 97.6°F
• Place tip in middle of axillia
• Probe must touch skin on all sides

Review Procedure notes pg 3-4

Question 15

Explain the technique for Rectal temperature

Answer 15

• Most accurate
• 1 degree higher-Normal 99.6°F
• Slowly and gently insert tip
• Use lubrication
• Hold thermometer in place

Used for infants and geriatric

Review Procedure notes pg 3-4