There are many different types of thermometers you can use to measure temperature. When using any kind of thermometer, make sure you read and follow the instructions that come with the thermometer. If your thermometer uses batteries, check them. You might notice that weak batteries give inconsistent readings.
Normal body temperature is about 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit (F) or 37 degrees Celsius (C). Normal temperature often varies from 1 to 2F ( to 1C). A normal temperature is usually lower in the morning and increases during the day. It reaches its high in the late afternoon or evening.
how much do you add to an underarm temperature
A digital thermometer is the most accurate and quickest way to take a temperature. Digital thermometers are available in most drug stores and supermarket pharmacies. Depending on where you shop, a digital thermometer can cost from $6 to $20. Be sure to follow package instructions while using any thermometer.
Tympanic (ear): This type of thermometer measures the temperature inside of the ear by reading the infrared heat there. For best results, make sure to follow the instructions on the device about placing the tip correctly. For older babies and children, ear thermometers can be quicker and easier to use. However, they are not recommended if your baby is three months old or younger. They should not be used if your child has too much earwax, or if they have an earache.
Temporal artery (forehead): Forehead thermometers are also used to measure temperature, but may not be as reliable as the digital thermometers and are usually more expensive. They are placed on the temporal artery of the forehead and measure the infrared heat that comes off of the head.
Rectal temperature is considered the most accurate temperature reading. This is most useful for keeping track of temperature in children who tend to be more sensitive to changes in body temperature than adults.
An axillary (AK-sih-lar-e) temperature (TEM-per-ah-chur) is when your armpit (axilla) is used to check your temperature. A temperature measures body heat. A thermometer (ther-MOM-uh-ter) is used to take the temperature in your armpit. An axillary temperature is lower than one taken in your mouth, rectum, or your ear. This is because the thermometer is not inside your body such as under your tongue.
An axillary temperature may be done to check for a fever. "Fever" is a word used for a temperature that is higher than normal for the body. A fever may be a sign of illness, infection or other conditions. A normal axillary temperature is between 96.6 (35.9 C) and 98 F (36.7 C). The normal axillary temperature is usually a degree lower than the oral (by mouth) temperature. The axillary temperature may be as much as two degrees lower than the rectal temperature. Body temperature changes slightly through the day and night, and may change based on your activity.
You have the right to help plan your care. To help with this plan, you must learn how to take an axillary temperature. You can then discuss your treatment options with your caregiver. You can work with your caregiver to decide what care will be used to treat you. You always have the right to refuse treatment.
Carefully read the instructions that come with the thermometer. Before and after each use, clean the tip of the thermometer following the instructions for your particular thermometer. If you plan to use a digital thermometer to take a rectal temperature, get another digital thermometer for oral use. Label each thermometer, and don't use the same thermometer in both places.
Rectal temperature. Turn on the digital thermometer and lubricate the tip of the thermometer with petroleum jelly. Lay your baby or child on his or her back, lift his or her thighs, and insert the lubricated thermometer 1/2 to 1 inch (1.3 to 2.5 centimeters) into the rectum. Alternatively, you can place your child on his or her belly on your lap or other firm surface. If you put your child belly down, put your hand against his or her lower back to hold the child in place.
Evan has a fever. You can tell just by looking at him. But you wonder why his temperature varies so much depending on what type of thermometer you use. Which one is accurate? Surely the highest? When your child is sick, the last thing you want to do is rely on a method that gives unreliable readings. Or worse, incorrectly check his temperature.
If your child has a temperature, it is essential to keep track of it. Write down the time, temperature and any medication given. If the child is younger than three months of age, contact their pediatrician if their rectal temperature reading is 100.4 F or higher. For children older than three months of age contact their pediatrician if he/she:
The axillary (armpit) method is a convenient way to take a child's temperature, especially for kids who can't hold a thermometer in their mouths. But an axillary (AK-seh-ler-ee) reading is not as accurate as a rectal temperature, or an oral temperature in kids who are old enough to cooperate.
Rectal (in the bottom) temperature. Several digital rectal thermometers are available for taking rectal temperatures. Parents worry about these because they think they may insert them incorrectly. But there is little risk for injury if you use a thermometer made for taking a rectal temperature. Most thermometers have an alarm to tell you when the measurement is done. They also have a digital readout. If you choose to take rectal temperatures, use a digital rectal thermometer with the short probe. This reduces the chance that your baby may be injured. Make sure you label the thermometer so that you know it's for rectal use only.
Underarm (axillary) temperature. Any of the digital thermometers can be used in the armpit. A disk-shaped thermometer fits most comfortably. The whole disk is covered when the arm is brought against the chest wall. Make sure there is nothing (such as clothing) between the child's skin and the thermometer. The temperature appears on a digital readout when the alert sounds. Axillary thermometers may be used for babies ages 3 months and older.
When you call your child's healthcare provider, give him or her the actual reading on the thermometer and say where the temperature was taken. Was it in the ear, the underarm, the forehead, or the rectum? Be ready to tell your healthcare provider about any symptoms that your child may have. Try to stay relaxed. Listen to his or her questions and answer them as accurately as possible.
Before giving your child medicine, make sure he or she is not dressed too warmly. Loose, comfortable clothing is best. A lukewarm bath may also help your child feel better. Avoid making your child cold, such as with a cold bath or ice packs. This will make him or her shiver and can make the temperature go higher. Never use alcohol baths or wipes because the alcohol can be absorbed through the skin and cause serious illness.
You need to have an accurate temperature measurement to determine if a fever is present. Be sure to tell your health care provider which type of temperature measurement you used when discussing a fever.
Yes thanks. I was a bit worried yesterday after taking my DS's temperature, he had 39.5!!!! It went down straight away after taking Nurofen but still.Now he's got 37.7.I thought that when you had a temperature of 40 you're on your last legs and delirious, but he seemed fine.He's got a cold at the mo.
40 degrees in a little baby or an adult is quite different to in a toddler. In modern houses, wrapped up children with central heating who are incubating a cold can easily get to 39/40 degrees and seem fine.My general rule is that I treat the child and not the temperature. So, if the child is uncomfortable or in pain then I medicate but I don't medicate purely for a temperature ie I think if I didn't know she had a temp would I even worry? A temperature is the body's way of fighting infection and I don't like to reduce it unnecessarily. This, of course, does not apply to a baby where all temps must be looked at. If my dd has a temp I strip her off, keep her cool and offer lots of drinks.If the temp responds well to medicine then this is a very, very positive sign, especially coupled with him seeming well in himself. Temps that respond to medication are generally caused by a virus.You are his Mum though so if at all concerned then see your GP or phone NHS Direct.
DS is 2.Feeling quite guilty now because I've given him Nurofen and his temperature was 38.4 (so 39.4) and I kind of agree with what you said showoffhands and you seeker, he wasn't behaving ill and I still medicated.I'm just paranoid with the fact that his temperature is going to go out of control.I sound like a really nervous mum and he's not even my first child. So showoff if your DD had a 40degrees temp, but still looked well in herself, would you still not give her anything?
I would strip her off, keep her cool, leave her in a vest or just a nappy, only a sheet in bed, lots of drinks.I don't usually take her temperature, dh does it sometimes and I've never 'known' it was 40 iyswim so it's tough to answer. I just assess whether she is out of sorts and if she is that's when dh takes her temperature in case we need to see a GP and they ask. Obviously I then medicate if she's distressed/in pain/out of sorts. She's had Nurofen a handful of times in her lifetime. Ditto Calpol.DD is 23 months so able to vocalise if something hurts or indicate unhappiness.Don't feel guilty, you do what you think is best and if you need to manage his temperature then do it.
It is best to use a digital thermometer to check your child's temperature. Do NOT use a mercury thermometer. These thin glass devices filled with the silvery metal can break and release toxic levels of mercury fumes. In fact, if you have a mercury thermometer at home, you should remove it. 2ff7e9595c
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