SOLDIER'S MANUAL AND TRAINER'S GUIDE - Fort Drum

STP 8-91W15-SM-TG
MEASURE A PATIENT'S TEMPERATURE
081-831-0013
Conditions: You have performed a patient care handwash. Necessary materials and
equipment: disinfected mercury oral and rectal thermometers or an electronic thermometer,
canisters marked "used," water soluble lubricant, gauze pads, a watch, and appropriate forms.
Standards: Recorded the patient's temperature to the nearest 0.2° F.
Performance Steps
1. Determine which site to use.
a. Take an oral temperature if the patient is a conscious adult or a child who can follow
directions, and can breathe normally through the nose.
CAUTION: Do not take an oral temperature when the patient--
1. Has had recent facial or oral surgery.
2. Is confused, disturbed, or heavily sedated.
3. Is being administered oxygen by mouth or nose.
4. Is likely to bite down on the thermometer.
5. Has smoked, chewed gum, or ingested anything hot or cold within the last 15 to 30 minutes.
b. Tympanic method can be used with conscious or unconscious patients and is
preferred temperature if the patient has recently had something to eat or drink.
CAUTION: Do not take a tympanic temperature if the patient has had recent facial or aural
surgery, or has cerumen (ear wax).
c. Take a rectal temperature if the oral or tympanic site is ruled out by the patient's
condition.
CAUTION: Do not take a rectal temperature on a patient with a cardiac condition, diarrhea, a
rectal disorder such as hemorrhoids, or recent rectal surgery. Do not take a rectal temperature
on an infant unless directed to by medical guidance.
d. Take an axillary temperature if the patient's condition rules out using the other
methods.
2. Select the proper thermometer.
a. Tympanic thermometer.
b. An oral thermometer has a blue tip and may be labeled "Oral."
c. A rectal thermometer has a red tip and may be labeled "Rectal."
d. Axillary temperatures are taken with oral thermometers.
3. Explain the procedure and position the patient.
a. Take a tympanic temperature with the patient s head turned toward side so that the
ear canal is easily viewed.
b. Take an oral temperature with the patient seated or lying face up.
c. Take a rectal temperature with the patient lying on either side with the top knee flexed.
d. Take an axillary temperature with the patient lying face up with the armpit exposed.
4. Measure the temperature.
a. Shake the thermometer down to below 94° F.
b. Place the thermometer at the proper site.
(1) If you are taking an oral temperature, place the thermometer in the heat pocket
under the tongue and tell the patient to close his or her lips and not to bite down.
(2) If you are taking a rectal temperature on an adult, insert the thermometer 1 to 2
inches into his or her rectum.
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