1. Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved. Unit 18 Body Temperature

2. Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved. Objectives Spell and define terms. Name and identify the three types of clinical thermometers and their uses. Read a thermometer. Identify the range of normal values.

3. Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved. Introduction Body temperature is one of the vital signs Measuring body temperature is a common nursing assistant task

4. Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved. Temperature Values Temperature values may be expressed in either of two scales: –Fahrenheit scale (F) –Celsius scale (C)

5. Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved. Definition of Body Temperature Temperature is the measurement of body heat It is the balance between heat produced and heat lost

6. Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved. Measuring Body Temperature Temperature is usually measured in one of four body areas: –Mouth –Ear –Rectal –Axillary or groin

7. Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved. Clinical Thermometers A patient’s temperature is determined by using a clinical thermometer: –Glass clinical thermometer –Electronic thermometer –Digital thermometer –Disposable oral thermometer –Tympanic thermometer

8. Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved. Cleaning Glass Thermometers Glass thermometers are reusable –They must be cleaned and disinfected between uses

9. Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved. Documentation In many facilities –Temperatures are recorded on a temperature clipboard –They are then transferred to the individual patient charts