Taking Oral Temperature

Assessment:

Although the Doctor’s order is not needed for routine temperature, pulse, respiration and blood pressure, check the policy of the facility and then prepare the client. Ascertain which method of taking the temperature is appropriate for the client and determine number of times temperature needs to be taken.

Planning:

Wash your hands and gather equipments you will need. Temperature type of thermometer and pulse and respirations; watch with second hand. Bring pocket notebook and ballpen and tissues or paper towels (if available), also cotton balls with alcohol or antiseptic wipes.

 Implementation:

Identify patient and explain what you are going to do. Inquire previous activity or intake. Be sure lightning is adequate. Assist patient to a comfortable position as well as provide privacy. And then proceed with the following:

Determine the time the client last took hot or cold food or fluids or smoked. Remove the thermometer from its package, and check the temperature reading on the thermometer. If thermometer has been stored in a chemical solution, rinse well in cold water. Wipe it dry with firm twisting motion from bulb end to fingers. Bring to patients bedside and explain the procedure to patient-gain cooperation. Place patient on a comfortable position. Shake down the mercury (if necessary) by holding the thermometer between the thumb and forefinger at the end farthest from the bulb. Snap the wrist downward. Repeat until the mercury is below 35ºC (95ºF). Place the thermometer or probe at the base of the tongue to the right or left of the frenulum, the posterior sublingual pocket. Ask the client to close the lips, not the teeth, around the thermometer, and breathe through the nose. Leave the thermometer in place a sufficient time for the temperature to register or for the length of time recommended by the agency. The recommended time is generally either 2 minutes. If an electronic oral thermometer is use, the client holds the thermometer under the tongue 10 to 20 second or until it completes registering. Remove the thermometer and wipe with tissue from the nurses finger from the nurses fingers (stem) down to the bulb using a firm twisting motion. Discard tissue. Read the thermometer at eye level and rotate it until the mercury comes into view. Clean and shake down the thermometer and replace in container. Record patient’s temperature according to hospital procedure.