Which Gives The Most Accurate Measurement Of Body Temperature

Oral and axillary temperature readings are about ½ to 1f 3c to 6c below rectal. This method is recommended for infants small children and people who are unable to hold a thermometer safely in their mouths.

How To Use A Thermometer 9 Steps With Pictures Wikihow

Which gives the most accurate measurement of body temperature. It provides an accurate arterial temperature p 342. Temperature measurement is recommended by the national institute of clinical excellence a part of the initial assessment in acute illness in adults nice 2007 and by the scottish intercollegiate guidelines network guidelines for post operative management in adults sign. Digital thermometers are the most accurate way to take body temperature. Rectal temperature gives the most accurate measurement of body temperature. A jelly like vaseline would do. Body temperature is one of the four main vital signs that must be monitored to ensure safe and effective care.

The temporal artery thermometer is the most accurate noninvasive way to measure body temperature. These thermometers can be used in the rectum mouth or armpit. In adult patients the temperature of an axillary measurement is lower than a rectal measurement up to 19 c. Regular digital thermometers use electronic heat sensors to record body temperature. Rectal thermometer gives the most accurate body temperature. Armpit temperatures are usually the least accurate.

The normal axillary temperature range is approximately between 347 c and 373 c. The exact relationship between different types of temperature measurement is unclear. There are many types including oral rectal and forehead plus many that are multifunctional. Niven said that the more invasive the method is the more accurate is the result produced by it. Rectal temperatures are considered most accurate indication of the bodys temperature. This makes the insertion of thermometer easier.

However this is only possible up to a certain body mass and this type of measurement also takes a long time. The average normal oral temperature is 986f 37c. Yes for the most accuracy. Rectal temperatures provide the best readings for infants especially those 3 months or younger as well as children up to age 3. However the following general guidelines for temperature results are used. He added that the invasive methods of body temperature measurements allow doctors to diagnose health problems in patients without any obvious symptom.

Be sure to tell your health care provider which type of temperature measurement you used when discussing a fever. Add these numbers to oral and axillary temperature readings for the most accurate reading. Apply a lubricant on the bulb of the thermometer. It is passed over the temporal artery in the forehead. The most accurate way to measure temperature is to take a rectal reading. Fever in most adults a fever is an oral temperature above 1004f 38c or a rectal or ear temperature above 101f 383c.

It captures the naturally emitted heat from the skin over the temporal artery taking 1000 readings per second and selects the highest reading.