462 The Nursing Assistant Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Using an Axillary Thermometer—Digital (continued) 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 axillary temperature) • disposable probe covers • disposable gloves, if appropriate • a towel • pen and pad, form, or digital device for recording temperature 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. Best Practice Disposable gloves are worn only if required for infection prevention and control. 12. Help the resident remove any clothing to expose his upper arm area. 13. Dry the axilla with the towel. 14. Place a disposable probe cover over the blue probe. Start the thermometer and wait until it shows it is ready. 15. Place the covered probe in the center of the axilla. 16. Place the resident’s arm across his chest while holding the probe in place (Figure 18.8). Figure 18.8 17. Hold the probe in place in the axilla until you hear or see the signal that the reading is complete. 18. Remove the thermometer from the axilla and read the temperature on the display screen. Best Practice Do not touch the probe cover. 19. Dispose of the probe cover safely in a waste container or per facility policy. 20. Clean the probe with alcohol according to facility policy. Return the probe to its storage compartment on the thermometer. 21. Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer to ensure infection control. 22. Record the temperature on a pad, on a form, or in the electronic record. 23. Assist the resident in replacing and securing his clothing. 24. If the resident is in bed, check to be sure the bed wheels are locked. Then reposition the resident and lower the bed. 25. Follow the plan of care to determine if the side rails should be raised or lowered. 26. Return the thermometer to a charging location per facility policy. Follow-Up 27. Make sure the resident is comfortable and place the call light and personal items within reach. 28. Conduct a safety check before leaving the room. The room should be clean and free from clutter or spills. 29. Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer before leaving the room. Reporting and Documentation 30. Communicate any specific observations, complications, or unusual responses to the licensed nursing staff. Image courtesy of Wards Forest Media, LLC