464 The Nursing Assistant Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Using a Tympanic Thermometer—Digital (continued) 8. Bring the necessary equipment into the room. Place the following items in an accessible location: • a digital tympanic thermometer • disposable plastic tympanic covers • disposable gloves, if necessary • pen and pad, form, or digital device for recording the 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. Check the lens of the tympanic thermometer to make sure it is clean and intact. 13. Position the resident’s head so that the ear being used for the procedure is directly in front of you. 14. Place the disposable plastic cover on the tympanic thermometer. 15. For an adult or child, pull the outer ear up and back to open the ear canal (Figure 18.11). For an infant, pull the ear straight back. Figure 18.11 16. Gently insert the covered tympanic thermometer into the ear until it seals the ear canal (Figure 18.12). Figure 18.12 17. Start the thermometer. 18. Hold the probe in place in the ear until you hear or see the signal that the reading is complete. 19. Remove the thermometer and read the temperature on the display screen. Best Practice Do not touch the plastic tympanic cover. 20. Dispose of the plastic tympanic cover safely in a waste container or per facility policy. 21. Clean the tympanic thermometer according to facility policy. 22. Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer to ensure infection control. 23. Record the temperature on a pad, form, or in the electronic record. 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. Images courtesy of Wards Forest Media, LLC