458 The Nursing Assistant Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. • Rectal temperatures: lubricate the thermometer and place it one inch or less into the anus for three to five minutes. • Axillary temperatures: lower the resident’s arm completely and leave the thermometer under the armpit for five or more minutes. Do not shake a thermometer when removing it. To read a nondigital thermometer, look at the thermometer’s scale. Be sure the scale is visible so you can determine the level of liquid on the scale. The liquid level denotes the resident’s temperature. Digital Thermometers Digital thermometers are used to take oral, rectal, axillary, or tympanic temperatures and can take temperature in a few seconds. They are handheld, have a digital display, and are connected to an elec- tronic unit (Figure 18.4). Instead of a bulb, digital thermometers have a probe, which measures temper- ature. The probe of a tympanic thermometer is the tip. Probes are often marked by color—blue for oral or axillary, and red for rectal. The tip of a tympanic thermometer is short and is shaped to fit comfortably inside the external ear canal. Fresh covers should be placed on the probes or tips of digital thermometers and should be discarded after each use (Figure 18.5). Once the probe or tip of the digital thermometer is inserted, the digital display should show the tempera- ture reading in 20–60 seconds. The type of thermometer, nondigital or digital, you will use will depend on what is available in the healthcare facility where you work. As a nursing assistant, you will follow a specific procedure for taking, measuring, and recording a temperature. When recording a temperature, always identify the type of thermometer used and report any irregularities to the licensed nursing staff. Probe Probe cover Wards Forest Media, LLC Figure 18.5 A probe cover protects the probe of the thermometer. A new probe cover should be used for each reading. AGorohov/Shutterstock.com Figure 18.4 A digital thermometer shows temperature on a digital display. Rationale Body temperature that is outside the normal range can be a sign of a disease or condition or the result of an injury. The decision to use an oral thermometer is based on the need for accuracy and the age and condition of the resident. An oral thermometer is accurate for adults, as long as the adult keeps his or her mouth closed during the reading. Always follow the thermometer manufacturer’s instructions and facility policy. Preparation 1. Ask the licensed nursing staff how this procedure fits into the plan of care, if there are doctor’s orders for the procedure, if there are any special instructions or precautions, and if the resident can be moved into the positions required for this procedure. 2. Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer before entering the room. 3. Knock before entering the room. 4. Introduce yourself using your full name and title. Explain that you work with the licensed nursing staff and will be providing care. Using an Oral Thermometer—Digital Procedure