1. Vital Signs-Temperature
Aural/tympanic and Rectal
Health Sciences 2

2. The Basics of Aural Temperature
Also called tympanic temperature in reference to the eardrum (aka the tympanic membrane)

3. The Basics of Aural Temperature
Thermometer detects and measures thermal, infrared energy radiating from the blood vessels in the eardrum

4. The Basics of Aural Temperature
Measures body core temperature

5. Reasons for Quick for infants and small children
When it is contraindicated for oral such as patient’s with limited consciousness or seizures

6. Contraindications Ear canal misshapen A lot of ear wax in canal
Active middle ear infection
Sore ear
Recent ear surgery

7. Type of Thermometer
Hand held temperature probe with disposable tip cover.

8. Type of Thermometer Digital recording and reading
Thermometer beeps usually within 2 seconds.

9. Measuring Aural Temperature
Infants under 1 year
Pull ear pinna straight back or back and down

10. Measuring Aural Temperature
Infants over 1 year and adults
Pull ear pinna straight back and up

11. Measuring Aural Temperature
Positioning the pinna correctly straightens the auditory canal so the probe will point directly at the tympanic membrane

12. Recording an Aural Temperature
When recording a aural (tympanic) temperature, you should place a (A) after the reading to indicate the aural route
T 99.6 F (A)

13. Taking Aural Temperature

14. Basics of Rectal Temperature
Can use either clinical or electronic thermometer
It is an internal measurement
It is the most accurate
Frequently taken on infants and small children

15. Reasons for Taking Rectal Temperature
The rectal procedure is normally used for an infant or young child
It can also be used for a patient who is unconscious or irrational

16. Reasons for Taking Rectal Temperature
If your patient has difficulty breathing with his mouth closed, you could use rectal
The rectal route is used in the case of any suspected environmental injury such as heatstroke or hypothermia.

17. Contraindications for Rectal Temperature
If the patient has a heart condition; you can stimulate the Vagus nerve and cause cardiac arrythmias
If the patient has hemorrhoids; its an enlarged vein and you can cause bleeding and pain as a result
If the patient has recently under gone rectal, anal, vaginal, or prostate surgery.
If the patient has diarrhea; you can stimulate bowel movement

18. Contraindications for Rectal Temperature
If the patient has fecal impaction (you can record incorrect temperature)
If the patient has bleeding tendencies from medications such as heparin or low platelets
And age related contraindications; if patient over 80 years old

19. Types of Thermometers Electronic
Can be used for oral, rectal, or axillary
Blue probe for oral
Red probe for rectal
RED=RECTAL
Disposable probe covers prevent cross- contamination

20. Types of Thermometer Clinical thermometers
Slender glass tube containing mercury or colored fluid
Types
Oral – blue tip, long slender bulb, marked oral
Security – plain tip
Rectal – red tip, short stubby bulb, marked rectal

21. Measuring Rectal Temperature
Follow standard precautions/wash hands and glove
Have thermometer, probe cover, and lubricant
If adult, place patient on left side in Sim’s position
If infant, place on abdomen or lay on their back with legs secured

22. Measuring Rectal Temperature
Use lubricant on tip of thermometer and gently insert 1-1 ½ inches into the rectum for adult and ½-1 inch into rectum for infant
Hold in place for 3-5 minutes
Do not let go of thermometer-it can slide in further or break

23. Normal Rectal Temperature
Average 99.6 F (37.6 C)
Normal Range 98.6 – F ( C)
When recording a rectal temperature, you should place a (R) after the reading to indicate the rectal route
T 99.6 F (R)

24. Procedure 15:2C Please refer to DHO pages for complete and proper procedure of measuring rectal temperature.
Infant
Adult