PROCEDURE FOR TEMPERATURE CHECKING

STEPS
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
a)

Collect all articles

Wash hands
Identify client
Explain procedure to client
Provide privacy in case of axillary / rectal route

Relieves anxiety and

build IPR

Removes antiseptic
solution
Water on
thermometer reduces
visibility
Wiping from bulb to
stem reduces cross
infection
To get accurate
reading
Reduces friction and
promotes comfort of
the client
To ensure accurate
reading
Warmest area of
mouth
Air will not go inside
and ensure accurate
reading.
Thermometer will not
be misplaced

Prepare the thermometer

Clean the thermometer with plain water

b)

Wipe it with dry swab from bulb towards stem

c)
d)

Shake thermometer down to below 960 F (36.50

C)
Lubricate bulb and stem upto 1 inches of
thermometer ( rectal route)

Place thermometer correctly in the oral cavity

Place in right/ left sublingual area

Patient should close mouth around thermometer

7.
a)
b)

a)

Axillary route:
Check axilla for sweating
Dry it in case of sweating with dry cloth/ swabs

RATIONALE
Saves energy and
time
Minimizes cross
infection

b)
Place thermometer in axilla and position
persons arm against side.
a)
b)
8.

Rectal route:
Provide lateral position or prone position to see
the rectal opening
Insert lubricated thermometer 1 inch in adult
rectum and inch in infant rectum
Leave the thermometer in place
Oral 2min

Ensures accurate
readings
Placement ensures
minimum exposure to
environment heat/
cold
Arm helps in holding
the thermometer

Axillary 3 to 5 min
Rectal 1 min

Ensures right site

Prevents traumatic
injury to rectal
mucosa

Greater bold flow will

fastly rise the
mercury level.

Reduces
contamination of
fingers with
secretions.

Touching the bulb

may give false
temperature reading

Ensure correct
reading

Removes secretions

Minimizes cross
infection

patient has right to

information

minimizes
contamination

ensures
documentation

Minimizes cross
infection.

Rechecking ensures
correct reading
Altered temperature
needs further
monitoring and

9.
Remove the thermometer, wipe off secretions
with swab from stem to bulb
10
.

11
.
12
.
13
.
14
.
15
.

Do not touch bulb with fingers

Read the height of mercury column at eye level

Wipe with antiseptic swab from stem to bulb
Wash with plain water and replace
Replace it in labelled container after use.
Inform the client about temperature as per
requirement
Leave patient in a comfortable position
Wash hands
Record the temperature

16
.
17
.
18
.
19
.

20
.
21
.

Replace the articles:

Discard the swabs in paper bag. Clean all
articles. Let them dry and replace properly.
In case of sudden change in temperature
compared to previous reading, recheck after 30
minutes
Take nursing measures
Eg: hyperthermia cold sponge
Hypothermia provide blanket
Report to physician (if needed).

22
.

treatment.

Note: Dont wipe the thermometer when thermo guard is used. Insert thermometer
in thermo guard before and after checking the temperature. Discard the thermo
guard properly after use.