Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Chapter 18 Vital Signs, Height, and Weight 459 5. Greet the resident and ask the resident to state his full name, if able. Then check the resident’s identification bracelet. 6. Use Mr., Mrs., or Ms. and the last name when conversing. 7. Explain the procedure in simple terms, even if the resident is not able to communicate or is disoriented. Ask permission to perform the procedure. 8. Bring the necessary equipment into the room. Place the following items in an accessible location: • a digital thermometer • the appropriate probe attachment (the blue probe for an oral temperature) • disposable probe covers • disposable gloves, if appropriate • pen and pad, form, or digital device for recording the temperature 9. Be sure the resident has not eaten, had something to drink, smoked, or chewed gum for at least 15 minutes prior to taking the oral temperature. The Procedure 10. Provide privacy by closing the curtains, using a screen, or closing the door to the room. 11. If the resident is in bed, lock the bed wheels and then raise the bed to hip level. 12. Ensure safety during the procedure. If the resident is in a bed with side rails, raise and secure the rails on the opposite side of the bed from where you will be working. Lower the rail on the side you are working. 13. Position the resident comfortably. Best Practice Let the resident know how long the thermometer will be in place. Instruct the resident not to talk while the reading is being taken. 14. Place a disposable probe cover over the blue probe. Start the thermometer and wait until it shows it is ready. Best Practice Disposable gloves are worn only if required for infection prevention and control. 15. Have the resident open his mouth and lift his tongue. Slowly insert the covered probe into the mouth until the tip of the probe touches the base of the mouth under the tongue and to one side (Figure 18.6). Have the resident lower his tongue and close his mouth. Figure 18.6 16. Hold the probe in place in the mouth until you hear or see the signal that the reading is complete (Figure 18.7). Figure 18.7 17. Remove the thermometer from the resident’s mouth and read the temperature on the display screen. 18. Do not touch the used probe cover with your bare hands. Dispose of the probe cover safely in a waste container or per facility policy. 19. If the resident is in bed, check to be sure the bed wheels are locked. Then reposition the resident and lower the bed. 20. Follow the plan of care to determine if the side rails should be raised or lowered. 21. Clean the probe according to facility policy and return the probe to its storage compartment on the thermometer. (continued)