Temperature measurement

Importance of Temperature

To maintain the Ideal Homeostasis The Rate of chemical reactions in

body is regulated by the temperature

If temperature is too high or too low, body’s fluid balance is also affected

Types of Body Temperature

1. Core Temperature Temperature of the deep tissues of the body Remains relatively constant unless exposed to

severe extremes in environmental temperature Assessed by using a thermometer

2. Surface Temperature Temperature of the skin May vary a great deal in response to the

environment Assessed by touching the skin, or skin pads

Measuring Temperature Measured using a thermometer

Fahrenheit or Celsius scale

Factors that may alter temp Eating, drinking hot or cold liquids

and/or smoking can alter oral tempMake sure the patient has had nothing

to eat, drink or smoke for at least 15 minutes prior to taking temp

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Normal Variation In Body Temperature

Usually lower in morning after body has rested

Higher in evening after muscular activity and food intake with metabolism

Parts of the body where temp is measured can also lead to variations

Types of Thermometers

1. Glass thermometers Consist of a slender

glass tube containing mercury, which expands when exposed to heat

Not commonly used because of risk of mercury poisoning and trauma if the glass breaks

Types of Thermometers

2. Heat-sensitive patches

Patch placed on the skin

color changes on the patch indicate temperature readings

Types of Thermometers

3. Electronic thermometers Register temp on a

viewer in a few seconds Used to take oral, rectal,

axillary and/or groin temps

Disposable cover is placed over probe prior to use to prevent cross-contamination from patient to patient

Types of Thermometers

4.Tympanic thermometer Special form of

electronic thermometer; inserted into auditory canal

Disposable cover is placed over probe prior to use to prevent cross-contamination from patient to patient

Areas to measure from

1. Oral Placed in the mouth

under the tongue Most common,

convenient and comfortable method

Clinical thermometer left in place for 3 to 5 minutes

Areas to measure from

2. Rectal Most accurate

because it is an internal measurement

Clinical thermometer left in place for 3 to 5 minutes

Areas to measure from3. Axillary or groin

Axillary is taken in armpit while upper arm is held close to body and thermometer is inserted between two folds of skin

Groin is taken between two folds of skin formed by the inner part of the thigh and lower abdomen

Less accurate because they are external temps

Clinical thermometer left in place for 10 minutes

Areas to measure from4. Aural

Taken with a special thermometer that is place din the ear or auditory canal

Thermometer detects and measures the thermal, infrared energy radiating from blood vessels in the tympanic membrane

Since this provides a measurements of body core temp, there is no normal range for aural

Causes of high Body Temperature Illness and infectionExercise and/or excitementHigh temperatures in the environment

Causes of low Body Temperature Starvation or fastingSleepDecrease in muscle activityMouth breathingCold temperatures in the environment

Interpretation 1. Normal body temperature:

2. Fever (Hyperthermia): temp above the normal range3. Hypothermia: Core body temperature less than 35oC (below 95° F).4. Hyperpyrexia: Body temp exceeds 40-41oC (104-106°F) rectally

Body weight

Indications Monitor treatment response and

disease progression in:Heart disease Renal disease Liver disease

Assess the nutritional status of the patient

Note that the weight of patient vary during the day it is better to weigh the patient the

same time each day and preferably with the same cloths (if possible)

Procedure Explain procedure to the patient and take

permission Remove shoes, heavy objects and jacket Balance the scale at zero( 0)levelAllow patient to climb the scaleOn the weighing scale, balance scale while

patient is on it Read the patient’s weight from the

weighing scale and record readingTell the patient their reading and thank him

Height

Indication To assess the growth in childrenTo assess the nutritional state of

patient (calculate the BMI)

Procedure The adult weighing scale which has graduated

height indices Ask the patient to remove shoes, hat Adjust scale –by forwarding headpiece up right The patient stand facing you with his/her feet

parallel, with heels and back of head touching the graduated measurement board /mark

Allow his/her arms to hang freely in a natural standing manner

Lower the head piece gently to make contact with the top of the head of the patient

Take reading and remove the lead piece Allow pateint to get down, tell him his reading

and thank him

Body Mass Index

How to calculate

BMI (Sedentary adults)

Underweight < 20 Healthy Weight 20 - 24.9 Overweight 25 – 29.9 Obese ( Class 1 ) 30 – 34.9 Obese ( Class 2 ) 35 – 40 Morbid Obesity > 40

Careful in athlete, elderly, and children (Why)

Summary Measuring body temperature, Pulse, Blood

Pressure, Height and Weight

Simple, very useful basic information Helps assessing health condition of

patients Should be performed accurately Know and avoid common pitfalls