460 The Nursing Assistant Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Using an Oral Thermometer—Digital (continued) 22. Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer to ensure infection control. 23. Record the temperature on a pad, on a form, or in the electronic record. 24. Return the thermometer to a charging location per facility policy, if appropriate. Follow-Up 25. Make sure the resident is comfortable and place the call light and personal items within reach. 26. Conduct a safety check before leaving the room. The room should be clean and free from clutter or spills. 27. Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer before leaving the room. Reporting and Documentation 28. Communicate any specific observations, complications, or unusual responses to the licensed nursing staff. Images courtesy of Wards Forest Media, LLC 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 a rectal thermometer is based on the need for accuracy and the age and condition of the resident. For example, rectal temperatures can be more accurate than oral temperatures for young children. 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. 5. Greet the resident and ask the resident to state her 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 red probe for a rectal temperature) • disposable probe covers • disposable gloves • water-soluble lubricating gel • tissues or toilet paper • pen and pad, form, or digital device for recording temperature • sheet or drape The Procedure 9. Provide privacy by closing the curtains, using a screen, or closing the door to the room. 10. If the resident is in bed, lock the bed wheels and then raise the bed to hip level. 11. 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. 12. Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer to ensure infection control. 13. Put on disposable gloves. 14. Place a disposable probe cover over the red probe. Start the thermometer and wait until it shows it is ready. Using a Rectal Thermometer—Digital Procedure