11
TEMPERATURE TAKING TIPS
1) It is important to know each individual
’
s normal temperature when
they are well. This is the only way to accurately diagnose a fever.
Record readings twice a day (early morning and late afternoon).
Take the average of the two temperatures to calculate normal
oral equivalent temperature. Always take the temperature in the
same location, since the temperature readings may vary from
different locations on the body.
2) A child
’
s normal temperature can be as high as 99.9
°
F (37.7) or as
low as 97.0
°
F (36.11). Please note that this unit reads 0.5
º
C
(0.9
°
F) lower than a rectal digital thermometer.
3) External factors may influence ear temperatures, including when
an individual has:
– been lying on one ear or the other
– had their ears covered
– been exposed to very hot or very cold temperatures, or
– been recently swimming or bathing
In these cases, remove the individual from the situation and wait 20
minutes prior to taking a temperature.
Use the untreated ear if prescription ear drops or other ear medications
have been placed in the ear canal.
4) Holding the thermometer for too long in the hand before taking a
measurement can cause the device to warm up. This means the
measurement could be incorrect.
6) Patients and the thermometer should stay in steady-state room
condition for at least 30 minutes.
7) Before placing the thermometer sensor onto the forehead,
remove dirt, hair, or sweat from the forehead area. Wait 10
minutes after cleaning before taking measurement.
