There may be differing measurements if temperature measured in exposed or non-exposed ear or if in a superheated environment.Īnatomical differences between the two ears can result in a difference of up to 1◦C. Switching between sites and changing from one type of thermometer to another can produce misleading results. To ensure consistency in temperature readings. Document if infant or child in heated environment (E.g. Where possible use same type of equipment and same ear each time. Wash hands thoroughly with appropriate skin cleanser and don disposable apron and gloves.Ĭhoose tympanic temperature measurement device required and document which type chosen (E.g. Covidien Genius™ 2 or 3) To ensure the child (and parent) understand and consent to the procedure. Provide age appropriate explanation of procedure See also recommendations and further information at end of this guideline. The guideline has been constructed after literature search and review of sourced textbooks, Medline and CINAHL, and external nurse expert peer review and opinion. This nursing procedural guideline is intended as a resource for nursing staff involved in caring for children in the Paediatric Critical Care Unit that require monitoring and measurement of body temperature. Whichever site/equipment chosen, the nurse must be aware of the benefits and limitations of each. It is responsibility of the nurse to determine the best method for monitoring patient temperature and to use the temperature monitoring device correctly. The site and measuring device chosen is based upon a number of factors including age, clinical condition, degree of accuracy required, safety and ease of use. Instead, body temperature is usually measured from a site, or ‘shell’ sites that are thought to reflect the core temperature. However, in practice this is too invasive and not a practical method of thermometry. Pulmonary artery temperature measurement was considered to be the ‘gold standard’ for measuring core body temperature. Therefore, temperature measurement and temperature trends must be accurate and consistent, as decisions about therapeutic intervention may be based upon it. In the critically ill child an abnormal temperature may reflect changes in their physiological status. ![]() Temperature measurement is a commonly used assessment parameter when caring for acutely and critically ill children.
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