Taking someone’s temperature can be an important indicator of illness such as infection. There are several ways to take someone temperature including oral, axillary (under the arm), tympanic (in the ear) and rectally. Methods must be done correctly in order to assure you get a correct reading.
How to Take Someone’s Temperature – Orally
Taking an oral temperature is a good method as long as the person is at least 5 years of age and can understand the verbal instructions of keeping the thermometer under the tongue for the allotted time. When taking an oral temperature the person should not eat or drink anything that is hot or cold for at least 10 minutes for an accurate reading. Persons who smoke should also avoid smoking for 10 minutes prior to having their temperature taken.
Always use a disposable cover for the digital thermometer for cleanliness. Turn the thermometer on and place the tip under the tongue, hold the thermometer in place as the mouth is gently closed and keep it there until the digital thermometer beeps or indicates it has completed.
Average normal temperature ranges from 97.6 to 99.3 degrees Fahrenheit in children and about 98.6 degrees in adults. These normal can vary from person to person.
How to Take Someone’s Temperature – Axillary or Tympanic
An axillary temperature can be done using a digital thermometer. Place the disposable plastic cover on the thermometer and place it under the arm, next to the skin. Hold the thermometer in place with the arm and fold the arms across the chest. This method will usually take about 5 minutes and is not the most accurate of temperatures. Keep in mind that an axillary temperature reading will be 1 degree F lower than an oral reading, so you should add 1 degree to the reading for the person’s temperature.
Tympanic temperature requires a specific thermometer and is becoming very common for use because it is easy and accurate when done correctly. Always use a disposable cover as directed. Turn the thermometer on, insert the tip into the ear as directed by the instructions, and press the reading button for the results. This is especially useful in small children and in the elderly.
How to Take Someone’s Temperature – Rectally
Rectal temperatures are useful for infants and older adults when it is not possible to take an oral temperature. This should be done using a digital thermometer with a disposable cover. Because glass thermometers use mercury and can break they are no longer recommended. The reading from a rectal temperature is usually 1 degree higher than an oral temperature.
After applying the disposable cover, place a dab of lubricant on the tip of the thermometer. Position the person on their stomach or side and carefully insert the tip of the thermometer about ½ inches into the rectum. A digital thermometer will beep when the reading is obtained.
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