What is Temperature?  In order to function, the human body needs to stay warm.  This body heat stays pretty stable and is measured as a person’s temperature.  It’s normal for each person’s temperature to go up and down a little bit—depending on the time of day and what the person is doing. How Many Types of Thermometers Are There?  Glass:  Thermometers made of glass contain a silver-colored substance called mercury.  It takes at least three minutes for the mercury inside the thermometer to measure a person’s temperature.    Digital:  Inexpensive digital thermometers are commonly used.  They are turned on with a tiny button and show a person’s temperature in less than a minute.  Electronic:  “Fancy” electronic thermometers are battery-operated and are often quite expensive.   They register a client’s temperature within a few seconds.  Some use a probe that is put under the tongue and some are placed gently in the ear. Temperature thermometers “beep” when they have finished measuring the client’s temperature.  Read the thermometer.  Carefully, remove the thermometer (along with the plastic cover) from the client’s mouth.  Remove the plastic cover— without touching the part that’s been in the client’s mouth—and throw it away.  Hold the thermometer at eye level.  Turn a glass thermometer until you see the solid silver line of mercury.  The point at which the mercury stops marks the client’s temperature.  Reading a digital thermometer is easier.  You simply look at the numbers on the display. You’ll Need:  A clean thermometer.  Disposable, plastic thermometer covers, if available. You Should:  Prepare the thermometer.  If you’re using a glass thermometer, be sure to shake it down until it reads 95°F or less.  If you’re using a digital thermometer, be sure to turn it on.  Position the thermometer.  For an oral temperature, insert the thermometer under the tongue, slightly to the side.  (Your clients shouldn’t hold or bite the thermometer with their teeth.)  It’s best to hold the thermometer steady.  Wait.  Remember that glass thermometers take at least three minutes to register an accurate temperature.  Digital and electronic Taking a Temperature © 2000 In the Know, Inc.     Page 4 Medical Words You Might Hear…  Febrile:  A person who is “febrile” has a fever.  Afebrile:  When a person’s temperature is normal, he or she is “afebrile”.    Oral:  An “oral” temperature is taken in a client’s mouth.  Rectal:  A “rectal” temperature is taken in a client’s rectum.  Sublingual:  If you take a client’s “sublingual” temperature, you take it under the tongue.  Axillary:  If you take a client’s “axillary” temperature, you take it under the arm (in the armpit).  Tympanic:  If you take a client’s “tympanic” temperature, you take it in the ear. Time For a Laugh! Doctor:   “Did you take the patient’s temperature?” Nurse: “No!  Is it missing?”