350 Chapter 16 It is important to correctly place each thermometer for the appropriate amount of time. Oral thermometers should be held in place for three minutes. Rectal thermometers should be placed in the anus for three to five minutes. Axillary thermometers take five minutes or longer to measure temperature. 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 shows 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 electronic unit (Figure 16.3). Instead of a bulb, digital thermometers have a probe, which measures temperature. The probe of a 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. A new cover should be placed on the probes or tip of a digital thermometer and should be discarded after each use (Figure 16.4). Once the probe or tip of the digital thermometer is inserted, the digital display should show the temperature reading in 20–60 seconds. Whether you use a nondigital or digital thermometer 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 documenting a temperature. Always identify the type of thermometer used when documenting and report any irregularities to the licensed nursing staff. AGorohov/Shutterstock.com Figure 16.3 A digital thermometer shows temperature on a digital display. Probe Probe cover Wards Forest Media, LLC Figure 16.4 A probe cover protects the probe of the thermometer. A new probe cover should be used for each reading. Procedure Using an Oral Thermometer— Digital 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. 5. Greet the resident and ask the resident to state his full name, if able. Then check the resident’s identification bracelet. Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.