When an Axillary Temperature Should Be Taken
You will take a patient's axillary temperature if the physician or nurse orders the patient's temperature to be taken in that manner. You will also take the axillary temperature when both an oral temperature and a rectal temperature are contraindicated. An axillary temperature is less accurate than either a rectal temperature or an oral temperature; therefore, you must use extra care when taking an axillary temperature to ensure as accurate a measurement as possible.
It is claimed that changes in core body temperature are reflected sooner and more accurately in the ear than at other sites.
Influencing factors on other areas where temperatures are taken:
Oral temperatures are influenced by drinking, eating and breathing.
Rectal temperatures lag behind changes in core body temperature and there is a risk of cross-contamination.
S
kin
temperatures, measured under the arm or at the forehead, are not
always reliable indicators of core body temperature, especially
during those critical times when core body temperature is increasing
or decreasing. This is because the skin is a tool the body uses to
control core body temperature. For example, when fever is increasing
people are likely to react by shivering and drawing in heat from the
increased core body temperature. Skin temperatures are further
influenced by factors such as fever-lowering medication, clothing
and external temperature.
S
ince
the year 2000, small ear
thermometers have
become available and it is thought that the eardrum closely
mirrors core temperature values. These work by detecting the
infrared heat
emission from the tympanic membrane and
a measurement is quickly taken within one second making them popular
for use with children. While the electronic display of the
temperature value is easier to read than interpreting the graduation
marks on a thermometer, there are some concerns for the accuracy of
ear thermometers in home use.
Temperature record is conducted after every measuring in the temperature sheet as a temperature curve and in case history. Every block of scale T°C of temperature sheet corresponds to 0.2°C. A temperature is inflicted as a point in the column of the proper date, day part (morning, evening) and index of temperature on the scale of «T». Connecting these points by line you will get a temperature curve.
Normal human body temperature, also known as normothermia or euthermia, is a concept that depends upon the place in the body at which the measurement is made, and the time of day and level of activity of the person. There is no single number that represents a normal or healthy temperature for all people under all circumstances using any place of measurement.
Different parts of the body have different temperatures. Rectal measurements, or measurements taken directly inside the body cavity, are typically slightly higher than oral measurements, and oral measurements are somewhat higher than skin temperature. The commonly accepted average core body temperature (taken internally) is 37.0 °C (98.6 °F). The typical oral (under the tongue) measurement is 36.8±0.7 °C, or 98.2±1.3 °F. In Ukraine the commonly quoted value is 36.6 °C (97.9 °F), based on an armpit (axillary) reading. Although some people think of these numbers as representing the normal temperature, a wide range of normal temperatures has been found. In adult men and women the normal range for oral temperature is 33.2–38.2 °C (92–101 °F), for rectal it is 34.4–37.8 °C (94–100 °F), for tympanic it is 35.4–37.8 °C (96–100 °F) and for axillary it is 35.5–37.0 °C (96–99 °F).
The time of day and other circumstances also affects the body's temperature. The core body temperature of an individual tends to have the lowest value in the second half of the sleep cycle; the lowest point, called the nadir, is one of the primary markers for circadian rhythms. The body temperature also changes when the person is hungry, sleepy, or cold.
The median daytime temperature among healthy adults are as follows:
Temperature in the anus (rectum/rectal), vagina, or in the ear (otic) is about 37.6 °C (98.6 °F)
Temperature in the mouth (oral) is about 36.8 °C (98.2 °F)
Temperature under the arm (axillary) is about 36.4 °C (97.6 °F)
NOTE: This example is given in order to illustrate a point. You do not take a patient's temperature three different ways at the same time.
Hyperthermia is persistent body temperature elevation more than 37 ˚С. Hyperthermia is an acute condition which occurs when the body produces or absorbs more heat than it can dissipate. It is usually caused by prolonged exposure to high temperatures. The heat-regulating mechanisms of the body eventually become overwhelmed and unable to deal effectively with the heat, causing the body temperature to climb uncontrollably. Hyperthermia at or above about 40 °C (104 °F) is a life-threatening medical emergency and requires immediate treatment. Common symptoms include headache, confusion, and fatigue. If sweating has resulted in dehydration, then the affected person may have dry, red skin.
Hyperthermia which develops in pathological conditions and accompanied by metabolic disturbance, disorder of most functions of organism (breathing, circulation, nervous and endocrine systems, urinary and other) is named fever.
A fever may occur as a reaction to: