How to use a street thermometer correctly. How to use an electronic thermometer - instructions for use. Possible causes of an increase in body temperature

One of the main indicators of human health is the temperature of his body. At the first signs of pathogenic bacteria or viruses entering the body, the body immediately responds with an increase in the degree. Interestingly, depending on the place of measurement of such indicators, the result can be radically different even in a healthy person. What should be the temperature in the mouth or armpit and how to measure it correctly is described below.

Rules for measuring in the usual way

This option is considered the safest and is used everywhere in Russia, but in some states it is considered inaccurate. To measure the temperature axillary (armpit), you must first shake off the mercury thermometer so that its column drops below 35 degrees.

After that, its entire tip must be placed in the armpit. At this time, it is advisable not to make sudden movements so as not to knock down the readings, and it is better to hold the hands of the children until the end of the process.

How much to keep a mercury thermometer under your arm depends on the accuracy of the desired readings. An approximate result can be seen after 5 minutes, but the exact data will be known only after 10 minutes. You can keep the thermometer longer, the thermometer still does not rise above body temperature.

Mouth measurement rules

It should be noted right away that it is strictly forbidden to measure the temperature in the mouth with a mercury thermometer for children. This is due to the fact that they can accidentally damage the instrument with their teeth and get hurt, besides, mercury is very toxic.

Before starting the procedure, it is forbidden to eat too cold or hot food, this may affect the result. Any inflammation in the oral cavity automatically raises the local temperature, so the thermometer will show an overestimated result. With nasal congestion, you should also not measure the temperature in the mouth, since mouth breathing will cool the thermometer. Unreliable indicators are often observed in smokers.

How to measure the temperature in the mouth

Before starting the procedure, the thermometer should be thoroughly washed and dried. If a mercury thermometer is used, then it must be shaken off so that the column drops to a value no higher than 35 degrees. Before the procedure, the patient must be in a calm state for a while so that his pulse returns to normal. Remove dentures, braces or plates from the oral cavity so as not to damage the instrument.

Before measuring the temperature in the mouth with an electronic thermometer, you should also remove all potentially dangerous objects. After that, the instrument is placed behind the cheek or under the tongue. The mouth must be kept closed during the measurement. The procedure time is usually 4-5 minutes.

Difference of indicators

Before measuring, you should pay attention to the fact that even if absolutely all of the above rules are observed, the temperature in the mouth will differ significantly from the measurements in the armpit. The difference can vary within 0.3-0.8 degrees, and sometimes reach a whole degree, depending on the structural features of the body or the location of the focus of infection during the disease.

Some electronic devices today are specially tuned for mouth only. Such thermometers do not give an error and show the same data as mercury ones in axillary measurement, since they are configured this way and give a signal about the completion of the process earlier.

Norms for adults

The norm in the mouth for each person is individual. On average, it is 37.3 degrees for a healthy person. It can be determined more precisely based on the thermometer readings when measuring the temperature on the surface of the skin, that is, under the armpit.

There, the column in most cases shows 36.4-36.7 degrees, but in some cases the result is 35-37 degrees. To the data obtained, you need to add an average of half a degree, you get the norm of thermometer readings in the mouth.

Norms for children

Body temperature in young children is generally poorly controlled by the body and depends on many external factors, even ordinary overheating. For example, during sleep, the body temperature of a child is higher than when he is awake. The result also depends on the method of measurement. The temperature in the mouth is considered normal for children if it does not exceed 37.1 degrees. At the same time, an armpit measurement will show the usual 36.6, but the measurement rate in the anus will be much higher and is usually half a degree higher than in the mouth. Since many parents measure the temperature of infants rectally, you need to know about this.

There are also special nipple thermometers that are configured to immediately show the baby's body temperature, as with axillary measurement.

What is the temperature

In fact, the temperature norm is exactly the indicator at which a person feels comfortable and maintains efficiency. It may depend on the region of residence, nationality, time of measurement and many other factors. During the day, these indicators fluctuate absolutely for everyone within a whole degree. During rest, the heart rate slows down and the temperature drops. With active movement, stress, or after taking a hot meal or drink, on the contrary, it rises.

In addition, temperature indicators are divided into several types that persist in any state of a person.

Increased At the same time, the indicators when measured in the mouth exceed 37.5 degrees, but the person is completely healthy and feels good.
Decreased temperature. In such cases, the thermometer readings do not rise above 36 degrees in the oral cavity. This condition is called hypothermia.
Norm. This includes the average for all people, which fluctuate between 36-37.5 degrees in the mouth or half a degree lower in the axillary measurement.

Conclusion

Despite the fact that the temperature norms for adults and children depend on many factors, it is easy to determine the deviation. First of all, this is poor health, always accompanied by additional symptoms of the disease. Too low indicators may indicate overwork and weakness of the body, which also necessarily signals secondary signs. In any case, the norm of your temperature should be determined by measuring only in good health and subject to all the rules, then the results will be as accurate as possible.

The first sign of problems in our body is often elevated body temperature. It is the temperature that is of interest to the therapist, to whom you periodically come for an appointment. And it is precisely its indicators and their dynamics that can lead the doctor to a diagnosis. A healthy body, despite various fluctuations in temperature external environment, various physical activities during the day, maintains the temperature of our body with high accuracy. To take measurements, you will need a thermometer (you can, of course, touch your forehead with your lips, but this method is too subjective and cannot serve as the basis for deciding whether to treat a person). The thermometer can be mercury (inexpensive, but easily broken and requiring prolonged contact with the body) or (more expensive, but fast and safe). There are also infrared thermometers that measure in just 3-5 seconds, but they are too expensive. On the human body, there are several places where it is customary to measure temperature (in the armpit, under the tongue, on the elbow, in the rectum, in the vagina). Accordingly, the norm of temperature indicators for each place is different. The easiest, safest, most common and familiar way for everyone is to insert a thermometer under the armpit. Each of us measured the temperature in the armpit hundreds of times, but some did not even think about the fact that there are special rules that must be followed when taking measurements. Otherwise, the result will be incorrect. Next Tips will help you to correctly carry out this simple at first glance, but such an important procedure.

You will need:

Thermometer
A chair or bed where you can sit comfortably during the measurement
Dry towel
Disinfectant solution

Step by step solution:

The temperature in the room where the measurement takes place should be between 18-25 degrees. If the room is cooler, then before you stick the thermometer under your armpit, you must first hold it in your hands for about 30-40 seconds, warming it with your palms.
Before installing the thermometer, it is necessary to wipe the skin of the armpit with a napkin or dry towel. This will significantly reduce the risk of the thermometer cooling down due to sweat evaporation.
Remember to shake the thermometer if you are using the mercury version, or turn on the electronic one.
When installing a thermometer, be sure to make sure that the mercury column (or the metal tip in an electronic thermometer) hits the deepest point of the armpit, while it should be in contact with the body on all sides. The thermometer should not rest against clothing.
Air should not enter the axillary fossa. Therefore, press the shoulder and elbow to the body, then the armpit will be closed. The skin tightness must be ensured throughout the measurement time.
Do not measure the temperature immediately after coming from the street, physical exertion, taking a bath or a warm shower. Usually, if a person (and especially a child) cried or was very nervous, then the temperature would be too high. An increased result will be obtained immediately after a hearty lunch rich in protein foods, as well as after a hot tea party. In all these cases, you need to wait at least 10-15 minutes, which should be spent at rest, and only then proceed to measuring the temperature.
During the measurement, you need to be motionless, do not talk, do not sing, do not eat, do not drink.
The measurement time for a mercury thermometer is at least 6 minutes, maximum 10, and the electronic one must be kept under the arm for another 2-3 minutes after the beep.
Take out the thermometer in a smooth motion. If you sharply pull out an electronic thermometer, then due to friction with the skin, it will add a few tenths of a degree.
When you are sick, take your temperature at least twice a day - in the morning (between 7-9 am) and in the evening (between 7-9 pm). At the same time, it is desirable to put a thermometer at the same time, this is how you can trace the dynamics of temperature changes. In severe illness with high temperature, it should be measured before taking antipyretics, as well as after (30-40 minutes after taking the medication).
If several people use the thermometer, then do not forget to wipe it with a disinfectant solution and wipe it dry after each use.

Note:

By the way, scientists recognize the most familiar method (a thermometer under the arm) as the most inaccurate. In addition, the difference between the armpits can be from 0.1 to 0.3°C. Therefore, if you need to get a high measurement accuracy in order to clearly trace the dynamics, then measurements in the armpit are not suitable.
In a healthy person, the normal temperature is from 36.3 to 36.9 degrees. In children, the norm of body temperature can be several tenths of a degree higher, and in older people it can be lower. In the morning the temperature is usually two to three tenths of a degree lower than in the evening.
Even at normal body temperature, a person can be sick. For example, people with low body reactivity get the flu at normal temperatures, but at short intervals and with complications.
Thermometer nipples have been created for babies. This is very convenient for those kids who are too active: even if they manage to insert a thermometer under their arm, the child immediately pulls it out. When the baby sucks on the pacifier, the mother can easily control the temperature of his body. Naturally, you should not take measurements immediately after a meal or a warm drink. Pediatricians note that this type of electronic thermometer gives incorrect values \u200b\u200band during teething, and this, as you know, is a very lengthy and protracted process.
It is advisable to shake the mercury thermometer immediately after measurement. If you store a thermometer with readings, especially if they were high, then over time the thermometer starts to act up.

In the article, we will consider how to use an electronic thermometer.

Any person is familiar and has experience in using such a measuring device as a thermometer. It is used to control the temperature level. For example, with a disease, as well as when tracking the day of ovulation in women. In this regard, there is a thermometer in almost every home. V Lately mercury thermometers are being replaced by electronic ones. However, before purchasing this equipment, it is recommended to study all its negative and positive characteristics, features of the process of measuring temperature orally, rectally and axillary.

How to use an electronic thermometer will be described below.

Device features

A distinctive feature of modern electronic thermometers is the presence of a special sensor located on its narrow part. After the result is displayed in numbers on the display. That is why such a thermometer is often called digital.

How to properly use an electronic thermometer should be described in detail in the annotation.

When choosing a measuring device, you should pay attention to its weak and strengths.

Positive characteristics

Among the positive characteristics of such thermometers:

Safety. There is no mercury in the electronic thermometer, so there can be no harm to health from it. The device is perfect for use by adults and children.
Versatility. An electronic thermometer can be used to measure temperature in a variety of ways. For example, in the groin, rectally, in the elbow, in the armpit, orally.
Speed. The device measures the temperature quickly enough. As a rule, it takes no more than a minute to obtain a reliable result.
Comfort. The end of the measurement process is accompanied by a sound signal emitted by the device.
Simplicity. The measurement results are displayed on a special display. A person just needs to look at the evidence.
Profitability. A few minutes after use, the device turns itself off. This saves battery life.

Additional functions

Currently, the market offers patients a variety of medical thermometers, some of them are equipped with additional features. The most requested of them are:

Tip change.
Display illumination. Allows you to measure the temperature at night without getting out of bed to turn on the light.
Switching the measuring scale from Fahrenheit and Celsius.
Waterproof case. This feature allows young parents to use a thermometer to measure not only body temperature, but also the water used to bathe the child.
Built-in memory. Such a device is able to automatically save the last measurement readings. This allows a person to analyze changes in his condition. In some models, the memory capacity allows you to save up to 30 results.

To facilitate the measurement of temperature in babies, manufacturers offer special children's thermometers. In their form, they resemble toys, have bright color. For newborns, there are thermometers that have the shape of a nipple. Such devices greatly facilitate the measurement of temperature.

Negative sides

In addition to positive characteristics, electronic thermometers also have negative sides:

Many models cannot be wetted - they are afraid of moisture.
As a rule, an electronic thermometer has to be kept for a few more minutes after it has beeped. This forces a person to additionally record time and brings inconvenience.
An electronic device costs much more than a mercury one.

It is also worth noting that children's thermometers for newborns can only be used until the baby's teeth erupt.

To obtain the most correct and accurate data, it is important to follow all the recommendations reflected in the instructions for the device, which describes how to use the electronic thermometer correctly.

Using the instrument

Correct measurements can only be obtained with the correct use of the electronic instrument. Therefore, it is important to follow the basic rules:

The sensor located on the thermometer should be in close contact with the body.
The measuring device gives the most accurate results when measuring in the oral and rectal way.
It is possible to estimate the received measurements only after a sound signal. For axillary temperature measurement, it is recommended to hold the device for several minutes after the signal.
Do not eat or drink before the oral temperature measurement.
It is not recommended to measure the temperature axillary after taking a shower, bath, or other water procedures.

How to use an electronic body thermometer, it is important to find out in advance.

In addition, the correctness of measurements depends on the batteries. As a rule, one set is enough for 2-5 years of use. When the batteries begin to run low, the thermometer begins to distort the data. In this regard, it is recommended to regularly replace the batteries.

Methods for measuring temperature using an electronic thermometer

There are several ways to measure temperatures with an electronic device:

In the armpit.
Rectally.
Orally.

Using an electronic device is not only more convenient, but also much safer. When in the armpit or orally, the algorithm of use is almost identical to the use of a mercury thermometer. However, there are specific features. Among them, first of all - the time after which you can get accurate data. It depends on the type of thermometer, its manufacturer. As a rule, this time is indicated in the instructions for each device. For many models, this interval is 0.2-1 minute. But practice shows that the situation is different. When measuring the temperature in the armpit, it is required to hold the thermometer for a few more minutes after the beep. You can evaluate the result only after this time has elapsed.

If the measurement is carried out orally, then the measurements will be reflected on the display immediately after the appearance of the sound signal.

So, let's find out how to use an electronic thermometer, for children and adults.

Obtaining objective results

The most objective and correct results can be obtained by measuring the temperature in the rectum. This is where the temperature is closest to the temperature internal organs. This method of measurement is recommended for use in pathologies of the rectum, disorders of the digestive system. In addition, this measurement technique is used by women when planning pregnancy in order to determine the day of ovulation. The most accurate readings can be obtained by observing some simple rules:

Before inserting the tip of the thermometer into the rectum, it should be lubricated with oil or petroleum jelly.
An adult should take a position lying on his side, little child- lying on the stomach.
Turn on the thermometer, wait for the measurement to start.
Insert the thermometer rectally, no more than 3 cm, holding it in this position with your fingers.
Tightly squeeze the gluteal muscles until the result is obtained. This will prevent cold air from entering.
As a rule, the measurement procedure takes 1-2 minutes.

During rectal temperature measurement, a person should maintain the accepted position, avoiding movements. In addition, the sharp introduction of the device into the rectum is prohibited.

After the end of the measurement, the thermometer is removed, the result is evaluated, and treated with a disinfectant solution.

How to use an electronic infrared thermometer?

Using an infrared device

One of the varieties of electronic thermometers is an infrared thermometer. To get the right result when using such a device, it is important to follow a few rules:

It is important to eliminate outsiders air currents- heater, fan, air conditioner.
The patient's forehead should be clean - without creams, cosmetics.
If there is sweat on the forehead, it should be wiped with a napkin.
Wipe the infrared sensor on the device before use.
The patient should sit upright during the measurement, avoiding conversations and movements.

To measure the temperature with such a device, you must turn it on, press the measurement button, bring it to the patient’s forehead at a distance of up to 6 cm, wait for the sound signal.

How to use an electronic medical thermometer is interesting to many.

The most popular electronic thermometers

Among the most popular models of thermometers are the following:

How to use the B-Well electronic thermometer? Press the ON/OFF button to turn on. A beep will sound and the display will show all segments for two seconds. The thermometer will then show a test temperature of 36.5˚C. When ˚C appears on the display, the thermometer is ready for use. Then you need to install a thermometer under the armpit, in the mouth or in the anus and wait for the sound signal. The measurement usually takes 1-3 minutes, but may take longer depending on the method used.

How to use the Omron electronic thermometer is also often asked by patients. It is operated in the same way as the previous device.

We looked at how to use an electronic thermometer.

Body temperature is checked in different ways:

Rectally - in the rectum.
Orally - in the mouth.
Under the arm.
On the forehead - for this, infrared scanners are used to check the artery.
In the ear - also with the help of scanners.

For each method, there are electronic thermometers specially designed for each location. There are plenty to choose from. But there is a problem: cheap (sometimes not very cheap) devices often lie or fail. Therefore, when choosing an electronic thermometer, do not save money, be sure to read the reviews and check the readings of the mercury one at least once.

The latter, by the way, is preferred by many. The maximum mercury thermometer (as the thermometer is correctly called) costs a penny and is quite accurate, which cannot be said about many electronic devices with “so-so” quality. However, it is dangerous because it is easy, and glass fragments and mercury vapor have not made anyone even healthier.

It doesn't matter which thermometer you use, read the instruction manual first.

After each use, it would be good to clean the thermometer: wash it, if possible, or wipe it with an antiseptic. Be careful if the thermometer is sensitive to moisture and may deteriorate. It's embarrassing to mention, but still, a rectal thermometer should not be used anywhere else.

How to measure the temperature under the arm

Most often, we measure the temperature under the arm with a conventional mercury or electronic thermometer. Here's how to do it right:

You can not measure the temperature after eating and physical exertion. Wait half an hour.
Before starting the measurement, the glass thermometer must be shaken off: the mercury column should show less than 35 ° C. If the thermometer is electronic, just turn it on.
The armpit should be dry. Sweat must be wiped off.
Keep your hand firmly pressed. In order for the temperature under the arm to become the same as inside the body, the skin must warm up, and this takes time. It is better to press the child’s shoulder on your own, for example, taking the baby in your arms.
The good news is that if you follow the previous rule, a mercury thermometer will take 5 minutes, not 10, as is commonly believed. Many electronic thermometers respond to changes in temperature and measure as long as these changes are present. Therefore, if the hand is not pressed, the temperature can change for a long time and the results will be inaccurate.

How to measure temperature rectally

This method is needed when it is necessary to check the temperature of infants: it is difficult for them to hold their hand, it is not safe to put something in their mouth, and not everyone has an expensive infrared sensor.

The part of the thermometer that you will insert into the rectum must be lubricated with petroleum jelly or petroleum jelly (sold at any pharmacy).
Put the child on his side or on his back, bend his legs.
Gently insert the thermometer into the anus by 1.5-2.5 cm (depending on the size of the sensor), hold the child while the measurement is in progress. A mercury thermometer must be held for 2 minutes, an electronic one - as long as it is written in the instructions (usually less than a minute).
Remove the thermometer, look at the data.
Treat the child's skin, if necessary. Wash the thermometer.

How to measure the temperature in the mouth

This method is not suitable for children under four years of age, because at this age children cannot yet reliably hold the thermometer. Do not take your temperature in your mouth if you have eaten something cold in the last 30 minutes.

Wash the thermometer.
The sensor or reservoir of mercury should be placed under the tongue and hold the thermometer with your lips.
Use an ordinary thermometer to measure the temperature for 3 minutes, electronic - as much as necessary according to the instructions.

How to measure the temperature in the ear

For this, there are special infrared thermometers: it is useless to put other thermometers in the ear. Children under 6 months of age do not have their ear temperature taken. Age guidelines, because due to developmental features, the results will be inaccurate. You can measure the temperature in your ear only 15 minutes after you have returned from the street.

Pull your ear a little to the side and insert the thermometer probe into your ear. It takes a few seconds to measure.

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Some infrared devices measure the temperature on the forehead, where the artery passes. Data from the forehead or from the ear is not as accurate Fever: First aid, as with other measurements, but they are fast. And for household measurement, it is not so important what temperature you have: 38.3 or 38.5 ° C.

How to read a thermometer

The result of the measurement depends on the accuracy of the thermometer, the correctness of the measurements and where the measurements were taken.

The temperature in the mouth is higher than under the arm by 0.3-0.6 °C, rectal - by 0.6-1.2 °C, in the ear - up to 1.2 °C. That is, 37.5 ° C is an alarming figure for measuring under the arm, but not for rectal.

Also, the rate depends on age. In children up to a year, rectal up to 37.7 ° C (36.5-37.1 ° C under the arm), and there is nothing wrong with that. The 37.1°C under the arm that we suffer from becomes a problem with age.

In addition, there are individual features. The temperature of a healthy adult ranges from 36.1 to 37.2 ° C under the arm, but someone's personal norm is 36.9 ° C, and someone's is 36.1. The difference is big, so in an ideal world it would be nice to take your temperature when you are healthy for the sake of interest, or at least remember what the thermometer showed there at the physical examination.

Content

A popular method for diagnosing diseases and inflammatory processes is to measure body temperature using special devices - thermometers, also called thermometers. Depending on the deviation of the obtained indicator from the norm, the doctor makes a forecast about the state of the body systems, determines the intensity of the necessary drug therapy in the first days of treatment. Answers to questions about which thermometers are best to use, and on which part of the body to measure the temperature, will help you understand how to measure it correctly, to minimize the error.

What is temperature measurement

Thermometry is a set of methods and methods that help measure the temperature, in medicine - the human body. The degree of heating of the object is compared with the absolute thermodynamic scale. Deviations from the average norm up or down show the doctor that processes are taking place in the body that violate its thermoregulation, for example, the fight against a virus or inflammation. Regular measurements of this parameter allow you to monitor the patient's condition, improve the effectiveness of treatment in a timely manner, and avoid possible complications.

What determines body temperature

In addition to infectious infections and other external factors (for example, hypothermia or overheating), many circumstances affect the body temperature. You will see different numbers on the thermometer by measuring the temperature on the surface of the skin (in the armpit or in the inguinal folds) or by one of the internal methods (orally or rectally). In addition to the location of the measurement, the indicator is affected by:

the time of the manipulation (morning / evening);
patient's age;
period of the menstrual cycle in women.

Normal human body temperature

Physiological indicators of the normal temperature of the human body can vary between 36.3 - 37.3 ° C. The norm of 36.6 ° C, to which we have become accustomed since childhood, is set for measurement in the axillary region, due to individual features may deviate within 36.4 - 37.0 ° С. The average rectal temperature (in the rectum) is 37.3-37.7 °C; temperature ranges for oral measurement, considered healthy indicators - 36.8 - 37.2 ° C.

Minimum human body temperature

The human body is better adapted to hypothermia than to an increase in temperature. Deviation from the norm towards the lower limit up to 35 ° C is accompanied by severe weakness, after lowering to 29 ° C, the person loses consciousness. The lowest recorded rate at which the life of a hypothermic patient could be saved was 14.9 °C. Death usually occurs when the temperature reaches 25°C.

Critical temperature

With an increase in the temperature of the victim from overheating to the absolute scale mark above 42 ° C and the inability to reduce the indicator, the probability of death is high. A case was recorded when the patient managed to survive with overheating up to 46.5 °C. The lower limit in some cases can reach up to 25-26 °C. With hyperthermia - an increase in the indicator to 42 ° C and above - loss of consciousness, hallucinations, delirium are observed. In this case, the patient's life is in serious danger, so it is necessary to lower this biometric indicator in any way possible.

What is temperature measured in

In the SI system ( international system units) there are two main units for measuring temperature indicators - degrees Celsius and degrees Kelvin. Body temperature in medicine is measured on the Celsius scale, on which zero is equal to freezing water, and one hundred degrees is the state of its boiling.

Temperature measuring instruments

In thermometry, a special measuring device is used - a thermometer to measure body temperature. These devices are also called thermometers. They are made from different materials(glass, plastic), have their own specifics and principle of operation (contact, non-contact; digital, mercury, infrared), measurement error. Each type of these devices has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Instrument classification

The main principle by which thermometers are classified for measuring body temperature is the principle of operation of these measuring instruments. According to him, they are divided into:

mercury;
digital;
infrared (for non-contact measurement method).

Mercury thermometers are made of glass and work on the principle of expanding the mercury contained in their glass tank. When heated from the body, the mercury column moves up the scale, reaching a mark corresponding to t of the body. This method of determining temperature characteristics helps to obtain high accuracy of measurement results, the error of the actual temperature when using this type of thermometer is only 0.1 degrees.

Along with the advantages - affordability, wide range of applications, durability, obtaining accurate measurements - liquid thermometers with mercury have significant disadvantages:

fragility of the body;
mercury toxicity (there is a risk of poisoning if you accidentally damage the mercury tank or break the thermometer);
measurement duration (up to 10 minutes).

Digital, electronic thermometers are widely used. They can have a different appearance, their body is made of plastic, and the temperature is determined due to the operation of a thermodynamic sensor. Electronic thermometers are safer than mercury ones, they help to get a quick measurement result (within one minute), however, the accuracy of the readings of these devices is significantly inferior to mercury thermometers.

Infrared devices for measuring temperature indicators do not require direct contact with the body, the time of measuring the temperature value takes a few seconds. A special sensor displays a digital infrared image on the screen, the device requires adjustment, gives an error of about 0.2 degrees, is expensive, and is often used in cases where the patient cannot be disturbed.

Especially for infants who cannot be at rest for a long time, pacifier thermometers disguised as an ordinary pacifier were invented. They are made of silicone, the duration of the measurement is about five minutes, but this does not bring any inconvenience to the child. The deviation from the exact data can reach 0.3 degrees.

Where to take the temperature

Not all parts of the body have the same indicator, in this regard, there are different ways to measure temperature. To obtain an accurate determination of the state of the body, this biometric indicator is determined by:

axillary (the thermometer is installed and held with the working end in the armpit);
orally (measurement is carried out by taking the level thermal radiation in the mouth);
rectally (in the rectum);
in the inguinal folds;
in the woman's vagina.

How to measure correctly

In different cavities and sections, the temperature indicator is measured according to certain rules. Important to check technical condition the device you are using - replace the battery in the digital thermometer, if necessary, adjust the infrared, make sure the integrity of the mercury. If there is any doubt about the reliability of the results obtained - for example, the child's forehead is hot, and the device shows a normal temperature, repeat the procedure or measure the indicator on another part of the body.

mercury thermometer

Before using a mercury thermometer, shake it to bring down the mercury column to the minimum value on the scale, less than 35 ° C. The instrument must be dry and clean if you are measuring orally or rectally, necessary condition The use of the thermometer is its preliminary disinfection. For glass thermometers, in order to avoid damage, there are rules for careful storage in a case.

During the procedure in the armpit, the device is kept in a state of equilibrium, tightly pressed against the body for the required time. For oral measurement, the device is placed under the tongue, which closes tightly, breathing through the nose. During the rectal measurement method, the patient lies in a supine position on his side, the thermometer is inserted through the sphincter into the rectum and held for two to three minutes.

Time for measuring body temperature with a mercury thermometer

When using contact thermometers, the type of which is mercury, the time during which the measurement is taken is important. Depending on the place of measurement, it is:

5-10 minutes - for the axillary method;
2-3 minutes - for rectal;
3-5 minutes - for oral.

Electrothermometer

Digital measuring instruments must be used when you want accurate and fast results. The audible signal function provided with the thermometers makes it easier to control the thermometry, as it notifies the user when the measurement process is completed. They produce so-called instant thermometers, which, due to the high sensitivity of the thermoelement, give a result in 2-3 seconds.

Remote temperature measurement

Measurement of temperature indicators at a distance is a convenient property of infrared thermometers. These devices are the result of high-tech laboratory development, which determines the quality of their work and the accuracy of the data obtained. They do not have a harmful effect on the body, and are suitable for both immobilized patients and infants who are in constant motion.

Measurement algorithm

Using correct algorithm measuring body temperature, you will reduce the influence of external factors, you will be able to timely monitor changes in temperature indicators, thereby speeding up the patient's recovery process. With any method and use of any type of contact thermometer, follow the rules of hygiene and disinfection of the devices themselves. The algorithm for using a mercury thermometer:

Wash your hands thoroughly.
Take the device out of the case.
Shake it gently but firmly while keeping your index finger on the reservoir.
Make sure the mercury column is below 35°C.
Take a measurement.
Disinfect the thermometer after completing the procedure.
Write down the received data.

Measurement of body temperature in the armpit

By adhering to the following algorithm, you will understand how to measure the temperature in the armpit with any thermometer in order to get an accurate value and not use another method:

take measurements several times a day, at regular intervals;
press the thermometer tightly to the body to avoid the free position of the thermometer;
keep your body still during the procedure;
record the upper and lower indicators in writing during the day.

Under which armpit to measure

The physical sensitivity of the right and left axilla is the same, so it does not matter which one you use to measure temperature. If you wish, you can remove the value from both the right and left sides several times to make sure that you get the same data as a result. If there are doubts about the correctness of the result obtained, you can always measure the temperature in another sensitive area, in the groin area, for example.

In the mouth

The answer to the question of how to measure the temperature in the mouth correctly lies in the following two main points - the position of the thermometer and the measurement time. Place the device under the tip of the tongue, press it firmly and close your mouth. To obtain data, hold this position for two to three minutes, breathing through your nose, evenly and calmly. Before carrying out the procedure, be sure to treat the thermometer with a disinfectant wipe.

Processing thermometers

Clean sanitized thermometer - important condition to obtain correct data when measuring indicators. The treatment of the device should be carried out after each procedure; at home, this can be done using wipes soaked in any disinfectant alcohol composition. After disinfection, the device is wiped dry and placed in a storage case.

How to correctly measure the temperature of children and adults with an electronic or mercury thermometer - algorithm and methods