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What is a rectal temperature?
How accurate is a rectal temperature?
What is the difference between oral temperature and rectal temperature?
Mar 18, 2023 · A rectal thermometer is a thermometer that is inserted into the rectum to check the body's internal temperature. It has a similar bulb-like shape as an oral thermometer but usually has a shorter and stubbier tip for easier insertion into the rectum.
- What Is It?
- Why Do I Need to Check A Rectal temperature?
- What Kind of Thermometer Is Used to Take A Rectal temperature?
- How Do I Use A Digital Thermometer?
- How Do I Use A Glass Thermometer?
- Care
- Further Information
A rectal temperature (TEM-per-ah-chur) is a way of taking your child's temperature . Caregivers may want rectal temperatures taken on children less than 5 years old. A rectal temperature is taken b...Do not take a rectal temperature if your child has had surgery on his rectum, has any kind of rectal disorder, or if he bleeds easily.The rectal temperature is the most exact way to know if your child has a fever. A temperature taken in the rectum is the closest way to finding the body's true temperature. Rectal temperatures run higher than those taken in the mouth or armpit (axilla) because the rectum is warmer. The normal rectal temperature of a child is between 97° and 100° F ...
A digital thermometer is used to take a rectal temperature. It is a small hand-held device with a "window" showing your child's temperature in numbers. There are many kinds of digital thermometers....Glass thermometers with red or blue alcohol inside may be used to check a rectal temperature. Glass thermometers with galinstan (GAL-in-stan) may also be used to check a rectal temperature. Galinst...In the past, mercury (MER-kure-e) thermometers were used. This thermometer is a thin glass tube with a silver tip and line inside. The silver in the tip and line is mercury. Mercury is a toxic and...If you have a mercury thermometer, replace it with a digital thermometer. You may also replace it with a glass thermometer having alcohol or galinstan instead of mercury. If your mercury thermomete...Take the thermometer out of its holder.Clean the probe (pointed end) of the thermometer with rubbing alcohol or soap and then rinse it in cool water.Slide a probe cover over the pointed end of the thermometer. If your thermometer did not come with a probe cover then you can use it without one.Lubricate the end of the probe with a small amount of lubricating jelly.Take the thermometer out of its holder.Clean the thermometer with rubbing alcohol or soap and then rinse it in cool water. Do not use hot water because it may break the thermometer.Hold the thermometer by the end opposite the red, blue, or silver-colored bulb.Shake the thermometer downward several times.Keep the rectal thermometer clean. Wash it well with soap, water and rubbing alcohol after each use. Put the thermometer in a safe place until it is ready to be used again.
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A rectal temperature is generally thought to be the most accurate for checking a baby's temperature. An ear (tympanic) temperature is 0.5° F (0.3° C) to 1° F (0.6° C) higher than an oral temperature.
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- Knowing When You Need To Take A Rectal Temperature Look for symptoms of a fever. Keep in mind that young children and infants may not exhibit these symptoms.
- Preparing To Use A Rectal Thermometer Purchase a digital rectal thermometer. These types of thermometers are available at pharmacies. Make sure that the digital thermometer you buy is labeled for rectal use.
- Taking A Temperature Rectally Use one hand to gently separate the buttocks with the thumb and forefinger, so you can see the rectum. With your other hand, carefully insert the thermometer into the rectum, only one-half to one inch.
- Seeking Medical Attention Call the doctor of a baby under 3 months old immediately if the rectal temperature is 100.4 °F (38 °C) or higher, even if there is no other sign of illness.
Rectal (anus) temperature is generally 0.5-1 degrees F higher than oral temperature. Axillary (armpit) temperature is usually 0.5-1 degrees F lower than oral temperature. Tympanic (ear) temperature is 0.5-1 degrees F higher than oral temperature.
Rectal thermometry is taking a person's temperature by inserting a thermometer into the rectum via the anus. This is generally regarded as the most accurate means of temperature-taking, but some may consider it to be an invasive or humiliating procedure.
Aug 6, 2023 · A rectal thermometer is the most accurate way to take a temperature. To take a rectal temperature: Apply a lubricant jelly or petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, on the bulb of the thermometer so that you can insert it easily.
