Vital Signs, Height, and Weight 355 Procedure Using a Tympanic Thermometer— Digital Rationale Tympanic (ear) thermometers are another choice for taking temperatures. Placement is most important for an accurate 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. 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 easy-to-reach place: • a digital tympanic thermometer • disposable plastic tympanic covers • disposable gloves, if necessary • pen and pad, form, or digital device for documenting 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. Maintain safety during the procedure. If the resident is in a bed with side rails, raise and lock 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. Pull the outer ear up and back to open the ear canal (Figure 16.10). Figure 16.10 16. Gently insert the covered tympanic thermometer into the ear until it seals the ear canal (Figure 16.11). Figure 16.11 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. (continued) Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.