Nursing Procedures and Skills: TAKING BODY TEMPERATURE USING DISPOSABLE CHEMICAL STRIP THERMOMETER

HOW TO TAKE BODY TEMPERATURE USING DISPOSABLE CHEMICAL STRIP THERMOMETER

Nursing procedure: taking body temperature with chemical strip thermometer

Review medical record for baseline data factors that influence vital signs. Rationale: Establishes parameters for client’s normal measurements, provides direction in device selection, and helps determine site to use for measurement. Vital signs are measured in the order of temperature, pulse, and respiration (TPR) and blood pressure (BP), usually without interruptions, to provide the nurse with an objective clinical database to direct decision making.

Explain to the client that vital signs will be assessed. Encourage the client to remain still; refrain from drinking, eating, and smoking; and avoid mouth breathing, if possible. Rationale: Encourages participation, allays anxiety, and ensures accurate measurements. Cold or hot liquids and smoking alter circulation and body temperature. Mouth breathing can alter temperature.

Assess client’s toileting needs, and proceed as appropriate. Rationale: Prevents interruptions during measurements, communicates caring, and promotes client’s comfort.

Gather equipment. Rationale: Facilitates organized assessment and measurement.

Perform hand hygiene/wash hands, and apply gloves when appropriate. Rationale: Reduces transmission of microorganisms. Hands are washed before and after every contact with a client. Gloves are worn to avoid contact with bodily secretions and to reduce transmission of microorganisms.

Apply tape to appropriate skin area, usually forehead. Rationale: Tape must be in direct contact with the client’s skin.

Observe tape for color changes. Rationale: Color indicates temperature reading (refer to the manufacturer’s instructions).

Record reading and indicate method. Rationale: Promotes accurate documentation for data comparison.