Do you know how to use a Digital Thermometer? Body temperature is a great indicator of health. Knowing how to use a digital thermometer properly will ensure you are ready to take your temperature and identify any potential issues. Generally speaking, humans have a normal body temperature of approximately 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit.
If you find that your temperature is off by more than a degree or two, you may need to see a doctor. These steps will help you take your temperature correctly.
Prepare ONE of How to Use a Digital Thermometer
Even if the digital thermometer has been stored before use, it is prudent to clean it before using it again. This can either be done in a solution of soapy water or by wiping it with a cloth that has been sprayed with an antibacterial solution.
Prepare TWO of Switch it On
Switch on the digital thermometer before placing it near the mouth to ensure it is working properly. If this does not occur or the screen remains blank, you may need to replace the battery.
Check the instruction manual to ensure you receive the correct replacement battery and that it is fitted correctly. Only use the thermometer if the starting reading is correct.
Prepare THREE of the Place the Thermometer
Place the thermometer in the mouth by laying the tip on a middle point at the back of the tongue before closing the lips around it to hold the length of it. Avoid gripping it between your teeth, as this is unnecessary and can cause the thermometer to slip off the tongue.
Prepare FOUR of Take Your Temperature
Once the digital thermometer is in the correct position, you can press the button to activate the appliance and read the temperature. Depending on the model, this can take anything from a few seconds to a few minutes.
Similarly, the model you are using will dictate whether it demonstrates its completion of the task with a beep or whether the result is simply displayed. At this point, you can remove the thermometer from the mouth to read the temperature.
You can set the temperature in degrees Celsius (°C) or degrees Fahrenheit (°F). The body’s normal temperature is 37 degrees Celsius or 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. Therefore, you must take immediate action if the reading is above or below this level.
Even a 2-degree increase above normal temperature can be a sign of a fever, while anything lower indicates that the patient’s body is failing to regulate its temperature.
Prepare FIVE Clean of How to Use a Digital Thermometer
After you have finished using the thermometer, switch it off and clean it using the same method you used initially. Use a clean tissue to dry it thoroughly. A digital thermometer often comes with a protective case designed to store and protect it from damage. Return it to the case before storing it.
Types of How to Use the Digital Thermometer
You have the choice of digital or manual (mercury) thermometers for taking a temperature in three ways:
1. Oral
2. Rectal
3. Axillary (armpit)
Two other types of digital-only thermometers are available
1. Tympanic
2. Temporal
Oral Thermometer Use
Oral thermometers are not the best option for young children, as they may not be able to keep their mouths closed long enough to obtain an accurate reading.
To Use an Oral Thermometer
1. Wash your hands before handling the thermometer
2. Place it under the tongue
3. Make sure the mouth stays closed the entire time
4. Wait approximately five minutes (manual thermometer) or for the beep (digital thermometer). Avoid taking an oral temperature immediately after eating or drinking, as this can affect the results.
Axillary Thermometer Use
While this is the least accurate method for taking a child’s temperature, it’s often used in schools and daycare to prevent the spread of germs. To use an axillary thermometer:
Place the thermometer under the arm with the tip in the deepest crease of the armpit. Wait approximately five minutes (using a manual thermometer) or until the beep sounds (using a digital thermometer).
Rectal Thermometer Use
Rectal thermometers are specifically designed with short tips that allow for a proper reading without penetrating too deeply into the body.
To Use a Rectal Thermometer
1. Use lubrication, such as petroleum jelly, to ease insertion
2. Place the thermometer’s tip in the rectum
Wait approximately five minutes (using a manual thermometer) or until the beep sounds (using a digital thermometer).
Cleaning Your Thermometer
Wash your thermometer with cold water before and after use, then apply lotion. Rinse thoroughly to remove the alcohol.
Tympanic Thermometer Use
These in-the-ear thermometers are very popular, especially among parents of small children, since they’re faster than regular digital thermometers and are easy to use. However, tympanic thermometers can be difficult to use on babies and are often inaccurate because their ear canals are so small.
To Use a Tympanic Thermometer
1. Pull the top of the earlobe up and back
2. Place the tip of the thermometer in the ear canal opening. (Be sure you are pointing the probe into the ear canal opening and not at the wall of the ear.)
3. Press the button until it beeps
If you are interested in checking other top head thermometers, be sure to review the Best Head Thermometer and these related articles.
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