Planning/Implementation:
Identify your client and explain the procedure. Using the bag technique lay out, put out the thermometer leaving the case inside the bag. Check if mercury in the thermometer is at the level of 35ºC. Place the thermometer beneath. Wiping is done from a clean the tongue or in patient’s axilla to a dirty area and take the temperature, pulse and respiration following the procedure in taking “vital signs”
Remove the thermometer from patient’s mouth/axilla and wipe with the one dry cotton ball from your fingers downward to the bulb in a twisting motion. Discard used cotton ball. Read the thermometer. Clean the thermometer in a downward spiral motion from the stem to the bulb, holding it over the waste paper bag using the following bag technique: 1st – 3 cotton balls moistened with soap. Discard. 2nd – 3 cotton balls moistened with alcohol, then wrap around the bulb of the thermometer and lay it inide the kidney basin.
Note: Oral temperature is taken 2-3minutes; per axilla 5-8 minutes and per rectum, 1 minute. After the care is given and health teaching is over, remove the cotton ball wrapped around the thermometer. Wipe with a dry cotton and return to the case.
Evaluation and Documentation:
Clients condition. Intervention done. Health teachings given.
