Temperature measurement

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends not to use glass thermometers with mercury. The glass can break, and mercury is a poison. Electronic thermometers are most often suggested. An easy-to-read panel shows the temperature. The probe can be placed in the mouth, rectum, or armpit. Mouth: Place the probe…

Always clean the thermometer before and after using. You can use cool, soapy water or rubbing alcohol. Wait at least 1 hour after heavy exercise or a hot bath before measuring body temperature. Wait for 20 to 30 minutes after smoking, eating, or drinking a hot or cold liquid.

The average normal body temperature is 98.6°F (37°C). The normal temperature can vary due to things such as: Age (in children over 6 months, daily temperature can vary by 1 to 2 degrees Fahrenheit) Differences among individuals Time of day (often highest in the evening) Which type of measurement was taken (oral,…

If the reading on the thermometer is more than 1 to 1.5 degrees Fahrenheit above your normal temperature, you have a fever . Fevers may be a sign of: Blood clots Cancer Certain types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus Diseases in the intestines, such as Crohn disease or ulcerative colitis Infection…

McGrath JL, Bachmann DJ. Vital signs measurement. In: Roberts JR, Custalow CB, Thomsen TW, eds. Roberts and Hedges' Clinical Procedures in Emergency Medicine and Acute Care. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 1. Sajadi MM, Romanovsky AA. Temperature regulation and the pathogenesis of fever. In: Bennett JE,…