Procedure for Taking a Temperature / Performance Checklist
Oral Temperature:
Preparation:
___
Washes hands
___
Selects appropriate equipment
___
Introduces self, checks armband, and explains procedure to the patient
___
Inserts the tip of an electronic thermometer into a disposable probe cover
Taking the Temperature:
___
Places the tip of the thermometer in posterior sublingual pocket
___
Maintains the thermometer in the mouth for at ~ 3-5 minutes or until the
reading is displayed.
___
Reads the digital display on an electronic thermometer
Conclusion:
___
___
___
___
___
___
Pushs ejection button and discards disposable cover on electronic thermometer
Return to appropriate storage container
Washes hands
Records the temperature on a piece of paper for future reference
Assists patient to comfortable position
Records the temperature on appropriate facility form
Rectal:
Preparation:
___
Repeats same as oral
Taking a Rectal Temperature:
___
Place the patient in a Sim’s position with upper knee flexed. Drape
the patient to expose only anal area
___
Apply gloves
___
Prepare the thermometer
___
Lubricate the tip of the thermometer
___
With dominant hand, grasp thermometer. With other hand, separate the
buttocks to expose anus
___
Instruct the patient to take a deep breath. Insert the probe gently into anus:
infant - ½ inch, adult- 1 ½ inches. If resistance is felt, do not force insertion.
___
Hold in place for 3 minutes or until reading is displayed.
___
Pushs ejection button and discards disposable cover.
___
Read temperature same as oral
Conclusion:
___
Same as with oral
Axillary:
Preparation:
___
Same as oral
Taking an Axillary Temperature:
___
Gain access to the axillary area (remove gown from one side)
___
Make sure axillary area is dry; if necessary, pat dry
___
Place the thermometer probe into center of axilla. Fold patient’s
arm straight down and place arm across the patient’s chest
___ Leave the thermometer in place, usually 8 minutes or until signal
heard
___
Remove and read
Conclusion:
___
Same as with oral
Tympanic:
Preparation:
___
Same as with oral
Taking a Tympanic Temperature:
___
Positions patient upright or on side
___
Remove probe from container and attach probe cover to tympanic thermometer
unit
___
Turn patients head to one side. For an adult, pull the pinna upward and back; for
a child, pull the pinna down and back.
___
Insert the probe with firm pressure into the ear canal
___
Remove the unit after the reading is displayed on digital unit
___
Remove probe cover and replace in storage container
___
Wash hands
___
Record appropriately
Outcome: Pass ____
Comments:
Student signature:
Faculty signature:
Fail _____