How To Take An Oral Temperature

The normal oral temperature for adults is about 37 C. The normal oral temperature for a child is between 36.4 and 37.4 C. The normal oral temperature for older persons is 36.8 C.

What kind of thermometer is used to take an oral temperature?

o A digital thermometer o Glass thermometers with alcohol inside may also be used for oral temperatures

How do I use a digital thermometer?

o Wash your hands o Take the thermometer out of its holder. o Put the tip into a new throw-away plastic cover if one is available. If you do not have a cover, clean the pointed end (probe) with soap and warm water or rubbing alcohol. Rinse it with cool water. o With your mouth open, put the covered tip under your tongue. o Close your lips gently around the thermometer. o Keep the thermometer under your tongue until the digital thermometer beeps. o Remove the thermometer when numbers show up in the "window".

o Read the numbers in the window. These numbers are your temperature.

o Your caregiver may want you to keep a temperature record. Write down the time and your temperature each time you take it. o Remove or eject the throw-away cover if you used one. o Place the thermometer back in its holder.

How do I use a glass thermometer?

Wash your hands Take the thermometer out of its holder. Hold the thermometer by the end opposite the colored (red, blue, or silver) tip. Clean the thermometer with soap and warm water or rubbing alcohol. Rinse with cool water.

Turn the thermometer in your hand until you see the red, blue, or silver line. The line should read less than 35.6 C. If the line reads more than 35.6 C, firmly shake the thermometer downward several times. Shake the thermometer over a couch or bed. This will keep it from breaking if it slips out of your hand. Check the thermometer again to make sure it reads less than 35.6C. With your mouth open, put the end with the red, blue, or silver-colored tip under your tongue. Close your lips gently around the thermometer. Do not bite the glass thermometer. Keep the thermometer under your tongue for 3 minutes. Remove the thermometer without touching the tip. Gently wipe the thermometer with a tissue. Hold the thermometer at eye level. Your caregiver may want you to keep a temperature record. Write down the time and your temperature each time you take it. Wash the thermometer with soap and warm water. Do not use hot water because it may break the thermometer.