(2) Numerical scale display. A numerical scale display looks much like the
temperature scale of a glass thermometer. A permanent temperature scale is displayed
and the patient's temperature is represented by a line. The longer the line is, the higher
the temperature reading.
2-13. HOW DO I READ AN ELECTRIC THERMOMETER?
a. Digital Display. On a digital display, the patient's temperature that is shown
is already rounded off to the nearest two-tenths of a degree Fahrenheit or to the nearest
one-tenth of a degree Celsius.
b. Numerical Scale Display. A numerical scale display is read using the same
procedures as a glass thermometer. Since you want your reading to be to the nearest
two-tenths of a degree Fahrenheit or to the nearest one-tenth of a degree Celsius, you
first determine which scale to use. Then find the mark on that scale that is nearest the
end of the displayed line. Once the mark had been identified, determine the
temperature represented by that mark on the scale.
Section III. TAKING TEMPERATURES
2-14. WHAT PARTS OF THE BODY ARE USED IN DETERMINING
TEMPERATURE?
There are three principal locations for taking the patient's temperature
(figure 2-4).
Figure 2-4. Three locations for taking temperatures.
MD0531
2-12