Figure 2-13. Inserting a rectal thermometer in an infant.
k. Hold Thermometer in Place for Two Minutes. An accurate temperature
reading can be obtained within two minutes. You must hold the thermometer in place
during this time in order to prevent the thermometer from being expelled (pushed out) of
the rectum and to prevent the thermometer from entering further into the rectum.
l. Remove Thermometer. After at least two minutes have elapsed, remove the
thermometer from the patient's rectum.
(1)
Tell the patient that you are going to remove the thermometer.
(2)
Using your free hand, lift the upper buttock again.
(3)
Gently pull the thermometer from the patient's rectum.
(4)
Release the upper buttock.
(5) Cover the patient's rectal area (reposition gown, pajamas, bed sheet,
and so forth).
m. Wipe Thermometer. Use a gauze pad to wipe the thermometer. Begin near
the hand that is holding the thermometer and wipe to the bulb in one quick, downward
stroke. Discard the used gauze pad into a waste container.
n. Read Thermometer. Hold the thermometer at eye level and read the
temperature to the nearest 0.2 F (or 0.1 C).
MD0531
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