(b) The basin may already contain disinfecting solution. The solution
may be used if it has not already been used to disinfect thermometers and if the solution
has not been standing in the basin for more than 24 hours. Check your local SOP for
additional information.
(3)
Put gauze pads into the two containers.
(4) Pour the soapy solution or germicide into one of the containers so that
all of the gauze pads in the container are soaked.
(5) Pour cool water into the other container so that all of the pads in that
container are soaked.
NOTE:
Containers with soaked gauze pads may already be on the tray.
c. Clean Thermometers. Thermometers are cleaned one at a time. All of the
thermometers should be either oral thermometers or rectal thermometers. If a
thermometer tray contains both oral and rectal thermometers, they must be placed in
separate basins.
(1)
Grasp the stem end of a thermometer and remove it from its container.
(2) Read the thermometer. If the thermometer reads 94.0 F (34.4 C) or
higher, shake down the thermometer.
(3) With your free hand, pick up a gauze pad saturated with the soapy (or
germicide) solution.
(4)
Wrap the gauze pad around the thermometer near the stem end.
(5) Wipe the thermometer with a single downward twisting motion. Be sure
to wipe the bulb since most of the contamination is in the bulb area. Do not retrace or
backtrack since moving from bulb end toward stem end could contaminate the area of
the thermometer that you have just wiped.
(6)
Drop the gauze pad into the waste container.
(7)
Pick up a gauze pad saturated with cool water.
(8)
Wrap the gauze pad around the thermometer near the stem end.
(9) Wipe the thermometer with a single downward twisting motion. Do not
retrace or backtrack.
(10) Drop the gauze pad into the waste container.
MD0531
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