Body measurements

Armpit temperatures are usually the least accurate. A german doctor in the 19 th century set the standard at 986 f but more recent studies say the baseline for most people is closer to 982 f. Assessment of body temperature measurement options. The mercury type and the organic liquid type. Versions employing gas instead of liquid are also available. 22 issue 15 p880.

Body temperature readings vary depending on where on the body a person takes the measurements. 2013 aug 8 sep 122215880 882 8. Fluid expansion temperature measurement devices fluid expansion devices typified by the household thermometer generally come in two main classifications. Rectal temperatures provide the best readings for infants especially those 3 months or younger as well as children up to age 3. Sund levander m1 grodzinsky e. Regular digital thermometers use electronic heat sensors to record body temperature.

An easy to read panel shows the temperature. Grodzinsky ewa british journal of nursing882013 vol. Assessment of body temperature is important for decisions in nursing care medical diagnosis treatment and the need of laboratory tests. For a typical adult body temperature can be anywhere. To do this many governments and businesses rely on thermometer guns devices that use infrared sensors to measure a persons surface temperature without touching their skin. Breathe through the nose.

Corrected and republished from br j nurs. Rectal readings are higher than oral readings while armpit readings tend to be lower. With regard to diagnosing ethics safety and the patients dignity the tympanic ear thermometer might comprise a desirable alternative to rectal noninvasive measurement of body temperature. Place the probe under the tongue and close the mouth. The probe can be placed in the mouth rectum or armpit. Assessment of body temperature measurement options.

These thermometers can be used in the rectum mouth or armpit. 1senior lecturer at faculty of health sciences linköping university and futurumacademy of health and care jönköping county council sweden.