Use of a Thermometer Flashcards
What places can a temperature be taken?
Rectum, ear, and armpit
What is a temperature taken in the rectum called?
Rectal temperature
What is a temperature taken in the ear called?
Aural temperature
What is a temperature taken in the armpit called?
Axillary temperature
What are the aspects of a rectal temperature?
-Most practitioners use that location
-Most accurate location
What are the aspects of an aural temperature?
-Need to use a special thermometer
-Can be used when the rectal temperature is compromised
What are the aspects of an axillary temperature?
-Can be used when the rectal temperature is compromised
-Questionable accuracy
Why should we never use a thermometer in the mouth?
Animal may swallow, drop, or bite thermometer
What are the types of thermometers?
-Mercury in glass thermometers
-Alcohol thermometers
-Digital thermometers
-Flexible digital thermometer
-Ear thermometer
What are the aspects of the mercury in glass thermometers?
-Some practitioners think this is more accurate
-Safety concerns of mercury exposure when thermometers break
-Takes longer to read temperature
-Used rectally or in axilla
What are the aspects of alcohol thermometers?
-Red-colored alcohol in glass
-Contents are safer than mercury but still a risk of breaking
-Takes longer
-Use rectally or in axilla
What are the aspects of a digital thermometer?
-Many practitioners use them
-Safer
-Quicker
-Use rectally or in axilla
What are the aspects of a flexible digital thermometer?
-Added benefit of moving with the animal
-Easier to keep in the animal (safer)
What are the aspects of an ear thermometer?
-Designed specifically for the ear
-Digital readout
What is the procedure for prepping a thermometer for use?
-If using mercury or alcohol, shake contents all the way down to bulb
-Place small amount of sterile lubricant on paper towel or gauze pad
-Use a paper towel/gauze pad to lubricate the thermometer from the bulb (~1 inch from the tip)
