Fever
Is the temperature less than 37.5 (oral) or 38 (anal)?
 
When taking a temperature you must have the right equipment. You cannot depend on the feel of a forehead with your hand to determine someones temperature accurately. We recommend you obtain either an electronic or glass thermometer. Temperatures are best taken rectally or orally. You should take a look at the thermometer before use and note how you have to rotate the glass to see the mercury or alcohol. As noted above, the oral temperature may be lower than the rectal temperature because the mouth is cooled by breathing. Be sure you shake the glass thermometer down below 37C or 99F before using it.
An oral temperature may be used in older children or adults. Oral temperatures may be falsely high or low depending on recent hot or cold drinks. Wait about 10 minutes after drinking to take an oral temperature.
A rectal temperature is more accurate and should be performed if possible. This is important in young children who may not cooperate for an oral temperature or may bite a glass thermometer. Taking a rectal temperature does not hurt the child.
How to take a rectal temperature
1. Lay the child over your lap.
2. Lubricate the thermometer with Vaseline or other lubricant.
3. Hold the thermometer about 1 inch from the end to prevent insertion more than 1 inch. Ease it into the rectum. Do not force it.
4. Read the temperature after 2 minutes with a glass thermometer, or when the electronic thermometer beeps.
How to take an oral temperature
1. Place the oral thermometer under the tongue on one sideor the other towards the back of the mouth.
2. Be certain that it is being held by the lips, not by the teeth.
3. Leave the thermometer in place for 3 minutes before reading the temperature.
4. If the child cannot nose breathe because of congestion, you can suction out the nose first with a small suction bulb. Ask your pharmacist. Mouth breathing while taking the temperature will falsely lower the temperature.
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