Name: body temperature: common measurement methods
Uploaded: 2024-06-20T13:02:51.000Z
Duration: 1 min 14 s
Channel: JoVE

Body temperature can be measured in various regions of the body.
Surface body temperature is measured in the oral, axillary, and temporal areas, while core body temperature sites include the rectum and tympanic membrane.
Oral temperature is measured by placing a thermometer in the sublingual region. As this site is near the sublingual artery, it detects variations in core body temperature.
The axillary temperature is assessed by placing the thermometer in the middle of the axilla and adducting the arm toward the chest wall. This location is unreliable for determining body temperature as no major blood vessels are nearby.
The temperature at the forehead is measured by placing a thermometer over the temporal artery, which employs infrared technology to detect heat generated from the skin surface over the temporal artery.
The tympanic membrane temperature is measured by gently placing a probe in the ear canal and pressing it against the eardrum.
The rectal temperature is obtained by gently inserting a thermometer into the rectum. It is regarded as one of the most precise methods.

temperature measurement sites

Temperature Measurement Sites

A thermometer measures body temperature. The common sites for measuring body temperature are the oral cavity, axillary region, temporal artery, and skin surface, such as the forehead, abdomen, and axilla. True core body temperature is assessed in the rectum, tympanic membrane, pulmonary artery, esophagus, and urinary bladder.
Oral: When assessing oral temperature, the thermometer tip should be placed under the tongue in the posterior sublingual pocket. It offers accurate readings and can be used on intubated patients. Limitations for this measurement include readings affected by recent hot or cold food consumption, use on certain patients such as oral surgical patients, and risk of cross-infection with oral thermometer use.
Tympanic Membrane: The temperature of the tympanic membrane is considered the core body temperature. It is measured using a thermometer with infrared sensors that detect heat emitted by the tympanic membrane. This method offers advantages such as easy accessibility, high accuracy in critically ill patients, quick measurement, and minimal repositioning. However, there are limitations, including measurement variations, the need to remove hearing aids, and the potential for distorted readings due to factors like ear infections or surgery. Additionally, it is unsuitable for continuous measurement and can be affected by environmental temperature devices. Care should be taken when using it in infants and young children due to the anatomy of the ear canal. Correct positioning is crucial to ensure accurate results.
Rectal: Rectal temperature is considered one of the most accurate core temperature measurements. It is a reliable alternative when oral temperature measurement is difficult. However, some disadvantages include potential discomfort, bodily fluid exposure risk, and specific individual limitations.
Skin: Temperature can be measured at various skin areas, including the forehead, abdomen, and underarms. Advantages of this method include its affordability, continuous reading capability, non-hazardous nature, and suitability for newborns. However, there are some disadvantages to consider. Such limitations include measurement lags, which can occur during temperature fluctuations; adhesion, which may be hindered by sweating; reading accuracy, which can be affected by the environmental temperature; and unsuitable for individuals with adhesive allergies.
Temporal Artery: Measuring temperature via the temporal artery lends to several advantages. It is a quick, efficient, and easy method to perform and does not require any major patient position change, clothing, or swaddle removal to access the measurement site. The risk of harm or injury to the healthcare professional or patient is minimal with this method. Measuring the temporal artery does not require using sensor covers, simplifying the measurement process.
Axillary: The axillary site is an alternative for temperature measurement when oral and rectal sites cannot be used. It is safe, low-cost, and reliable for stable-term and preterm newborns. However, it has disadvantages, including prolonged measurement periods, continuous positioning, lagging behind core temperature during fast fluctuations, and underestimation of core temperature. It is not recommended for detecting fever and may result in temperature loss in neonates due to exposure to the thorax. Additionally, environmental exposure and time to correctly place the thermometer probe can affect accuracy.

A thermometer measures body temperature. The common sites for measuring body temperature are the oral cavity, axillary region, temporal artery, and skin ...

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JoVE Core

Nursing

Unit 1

Vital Signs: Temperature

KEY TERMS AND CONCEPTS

body temperature: common measurement methods

Body temperature can be measured at several common sites, and each site has its own uses and limits. A thermometer is used to check temperature in the oral cavity, axillary region, temporal artery, and skin surface such as the forehead, abdomen, and axilla. Some sites give a closer estimate of true core temperature, which is the temperature inside the body.

Core body temperature can be assessed in the rectum, tympanic membrane, pulmonary artery, esophagus, and urinary bladder. The oral site is measured by placing the thermometer tip under the tongue in the posterior sublingual pocket. This method can give accurate readings and can be used on intubated patients. It can also be affected by recent hot or cold food, may not be suitable for oral surgical patients, and carries a risk of cross-infection.

The tympanic membrane, or eardrum, is considered a core temperature site. It is measured with an infrared thermometer that detects heat from the eardrum. This method is quick, easy to access, and accurate in critically ill patients, with little need to move the patient. Its limits include measurement variation, the need to remove hearing aids, and distorted readings from ear infections or surgery. It is not used for continuous measurement and can be affected by environmental temperature devices. Correct positioning is important, especially in infants and young children because of ear canal anatomy.

Rectal temperature is one of the most accurate core measurements. It is a reliable alternative when oral temperature is hard to obtain. However, it may cause discomfort and raises concern for exposure to body fluids, and it is not suitable for every person.

Skin temperature can be measured on the forehead, abdomen, or underarms. This method is affordable, non-hazardous, and can provide continuous readings. It is also useful for newborns. Its drawbacks include lag during fast temperature changes, weaker adhesion when sweating occurs, lower accuracy in certain environmental conditions, and unsuitability for people with adhesive allergies.

The temporal artery method is quick, efficient, and easy to perform. It does not require major changes in patient position or removal of clothing or swaddles, and it has minimal risk of harm to the patient or healthcare worker. It also does not require sensor covers. The axillary site is another option when oral and rectal sites cannot be used. It is safe, low-cost, and reliable for stable-term and preterm newborns, but it takes longer, needs careful positioning, lags behind core temperature during rapid changes, and may underestimate true core temperature. It is not recommended for detecting fever, and exposure of the thorax can lead to temperature loss in neonates. Accuracy can also be affected by environmental exposure and the time needed to place the probe correctly.

Body Temperature: Common Measurement Methods

body-temperature-common-measurement-methods

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equipments-used-to-measure-body-temperature

Body Temperature Tools and Thermometer Types

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Body temperature can be measured at several common sites, and each site has its own uses and limits. A thermometer is used to check temperature in the oral cavity, axillary region, temporal artery, and skin surface such as the forehead, abdomen, and axilla. Some sites give a closer estimate of true core temperature, which is the temperature inside the body. Core body temperature can be assessed in the rectum, tympanic membrane, pulmonary artery, esophagus, and urinary bladder. The oral site is...

assessing body temperature - tympanic membrane

assessing-body-temperature-tympanic-membrane

Using a Tympanic Thermometer Correctly

A tympanic membrane thermometer measures temperature through the ear. Correct use of the device helps support an accurate reading and reduces the chance of cross-contamination. Start with good hand hygiene before handling the thermometer. Turn it on and wait for the ready sign on the screen. Then place the probe cover in position before use. Ask the patient to tilt the head to the side for comfort. Check the ear canal for cerumen, or earwax, because it can block the probe lens cover. If...

assessing body temperature - oral

Oral Temperature Check with an Electronic Thermometer

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assessing body temperature - rectal

Rectal Temperature Checks for Core Readings

Rectal temperature checks are a precise way to measure core body temperature. This method often gives a higher reading than oral temperature. It is used when an accurate internal temperature is needed. The procedure starts with hand hygiene and clean gloves to reduce cross-infection. The patient is placed in a side-lying position so the rectal area can be seen more easily. Only the anal region is exposed, and warmth and privacy are maintained. If feces or secretions are present, the area is...

assessing body temperature - axilla

Axillary Temperature Check with Digital Thermometer

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assessing body temperature - temporal artery

assessing-body-temperature-temporal-artery

Temporal Artery Temperature Scan Steps

Temporal artery temperature scanning is a quick way to check a patient’s body temperature with a temporal artery thermometer. The process begins with hand hygiene and a fresh pair of gloves to help prevent cross-infection and keep the patient safe. The procedure should also be explained clearly so the patient knows what to expect and can cooperate with comfort. Before scanning, the forehead should be checked for moisture. If the skin is wet, it should be gently wiped with a clean cloth because...

key terms and concepts

Compare oral, rectal, tympanic, skin, temporal artery, and axillary temperature sites. Learn which methods are most accurate and when each is used.

Body Temperature: Common Measurement Methods | JoVE K12

JoVE Core Nursing offers concise animated lessons on nursing practices, covering health systems, nursing organizations, and health concepts. It includes practical communication, infection prevention, and nursing fundamentals, providing students with a clear understanding of nursing principles.

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Body Temperature: Common Measurement Methods

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