Pulse oximetry, temperature, and height/weight

3.4-3.6

Conversion from celsius to fahrenheit

C x 9/5 +32 = F

Oral temperature contraindications

Recent oral surgery, nasal blockage, O2/respirator use, facial weakness, emotional instability, age (not suitable for children under 6 years old.)

Oral temperature Average reading

98.6 * F

Oral temperature Normal Range

97.6-99.6* F

Oral temperature Time

10-60 seconds (with digital instrument)

Oral temperature Notes

Should not be used is pt ate, drank, smoked, or chewed gum in the last 30 minutes

Rectal Temperature contraindications

Recent rectal surgery, rectal bleeding, hemorrhoids, diarrhea or fecal impaction

Rectal Temperature Average Reading

99.6

Rectal Temperature Normal range

98.6-100.6* F

Rectal Temperature Time

10-60 seconds (with digital instrument)

Rectal Temperature

Positioning is important, for more in depth see textbook.

Tympanic (aural) temperature contraindications

Otitis media, impacted cerumen

Tympanic (aural) temperature average reading

99.6* F

Tympanic (aural) temperature normal range

95.7-100.0* F

Tympanic (aural) temperature time

2 seconds (with digital instrument)

Tympanic (aural) temperature notes

the ear canal must be sealed by the thermometer

Axilla temperature contraindications

None

Axilla temperature average reading

97.6* F

Axilla temperature normal range

96.6-98.6* F

Axilla temperature Time

10-60 seconds (with digital instruments)

Axilla temperature notes

this is the least accurate method but it has the fewest contraindications.
When comparing axillary to oral, add one degree to axillary reading

TAT (Temporal Artery Thermometer) Temperature Contraindications

Damaged skin (burns, scarring, abrasions, open sores, sunburn) environmental interference

TAT (Temporal Artery Thermometer) Temperature Average Reading

99.5* F

TAT (Temporal Artery Thermometer) Temperature Normal Range

97.5-99.5* F (± a few tenths of a degree)

TAT (Temporal Artery Thermometer) Temperature Time

2-3 seconds (records to the 1000 readings/second and provides average reading)

TAT (Temporal Artery Thermometer) Temperature Notes

Thermometer should be acclimated to the temperature of the room. Collections site must be dry and exposed to environmental air for at least 30 seconds