Rectal or oral temperature measurements are generally more accurate than the other two measurements. Wait for 20 to 30 minutes after smoking eating or drinking a hot or cold liquid.
Checking Your Child S Temperature For A Fever
Most accurate body temperature measurement. For the adults any one of these four places can be the best place as long as the slight differences are taken into. The pulmonary artery catheter which measures blood temperature is considered the gold standard for measuring core temperatures. These thermometers can be used in the rectum mouth or armpit. Fever in most adults a fever is an oral temperature above 1004f 38c or a rectal or ear temperature above 101f 383c. You need to have an accurate temperature measurement to determine if a fever is present. In adult patients the temperature of an axillary measurement is lower than a rectal measurement up to 19 c.
Rectal temperature gives the most accurate measurement of body temperature. Armpit temperatures are usually the least accurate. The most accurate way to measure temperature is to take a rectal reading. Regular digital thermometers use electronic heat sensors to record body temperature. Wait at least 1 hour after heavy exercise or a hot bath before measuring body temperature. In the case of children make the child lie prone on a lap or soft padded surface.
1 core body temperature is regulated by both peripheral and central receptors that are integrated within the hypothalamus. 2 autonomic as well as behavioral responses to changes in temperature maintain homeostasis or a range of normal around 37 c. Rectal temperatures provide the best readings for infants especially those 3 months or younger as well as children up to age 3. Apply a lubricant on the bulb of the thermometer. In general measurement of body temperature from the rectum tends to give higher readings compared to axillary measurement. A jelly like vaseline would do.
The normal axillary temperature range is approximately between 347 c and 373 c. However this is only possible up to a certain body mass and this type of measurement also takes a long time. This makes the insertion of thermometer easier.