i. Remove Thermometer. After the three-minute waiting period has passed,
remove the thermometer from the patient's mouth.
(1)
Grasp the stem end of the thermometer firmly with your thumb and
fingers.
(2)
Tell the patient to open his mouth.
(3)
Remove the thermometer from the patient's mouth.
j. Wipe Thermometer. Pick up one of the dry 2 X 2 gauze pads and wipe the
patient's saliva from the thermometer with one quick downward wipe (figure 2-10).
Begin at a point above the area that was in contact with the patient's lips and wipe
downward to the bulb end. The bulb itself does not need to be wiped. Discard the used
gauze pad into a waste container.
Figure 2-10. Wiping a glass thermometer.
k. Read Thermometer. Hold the thermometer at eye level and read the
thermometer to the nearest 0.2 F (or to the nearest 0.1 C, as applicable).
NOTE:
If the patient's temperature reading is unexpectedly low, you may wish to
replace the thermometer in the patient's mouth for a minute or so in order to
verify the temperature. A low reading may result from the patient not keeping
the bulb of the thermometer securely in place over the heat pocket.
l. Record Patient's Temperature Reading. Write the patient's temperature
reading on the paper or form. If the patient's name is not already on the paper or form,
be sure to write his name next to his temperature reading.
MD0531
2-20