There are three methods on how to obtain the body temperature. Anyone can perform this relatively easy procedure. There are three methods used to obtain the body temperature, the axillary, the oral and the rectal methods. You can use any of these depending upon the type of patient. For infants and younger children, the rectal method is preferred. For adults, the oral or axillary methods are preferred.
The axillary method
Wear your personal protective equipment (PPE), especially your gloves. Clean the thermometer with a cleaning or sterilizing agent. Shake the thermometer to lower the mercury reading below 36 degrees centigrade. Put the mercury bulb at the center of the patient’s armpit. Let it stay for 5 minutes. Read the temperature by twirling the thermometer until you can observe the portion where of the mercury is. Normal axillary temperature ranges from 36 to 37.5 degrees centigrade. Wash or wipe the thermometer and soak it in the cleaning solution.
The oral method
Wear your personal protective equipment (PPE), especially your gloves. Clean the thermometer with a cleaning agent. Be sure the cleaning agent is not something that is harmful. Shake the thermometer until the reading is at 36 or below. Place the thermometer at under the tongue and position the stem at one side of the mouth. Let it stay there for 1 to 2 minutes. Read the temperature just as mentioned in the axillary method. The normal oral temperatures are 36 to 37.5 degrees centigrade. Wash or wipe the thermometer and soak it in the cleaning solution.
Rectal method
Wear your personal protective equipment (PPE), especially your gloves. Clean the thermometer with a cleaning agent. Shake the thermometer until the reading is at 36 or below. Gently insert the thermometer into the anus and let it stay there for 1 minute. Do not release the stem of the thermometer. Hold on to it because it might be sucked into the rectum. Wipe briskly with a wet sanitized tissue, cotton or gauze. Read the temperature just as mentioned in the axillary method. The normal oral temperatures are 36 to 37.5 degrees centigrade. Wash or wipe the thermometer and soak it in the cleaning solution.
Whatever method you choose to use, be aware that you can contract a disease by not taking precautions. Be safe by observing all necessary precautions.
