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Oral Temperature Measurement with an Electronic Monitor

Written by Amanda R. McDaniel, MS, BSN, RN
Amanda is a BSN/RN with a MS in Physiology and a BA in English. She worked as a medical writer in the pharmaceutical industry for 11 years before pursuing a career in nursing. She now works as a nurse on a NeuroTelemetry unit and continues to write and edit on a freelance basis. Amanda’s LinkedIn

Body temperature is one of the vital signs frequently measured in healthcare settings. Changes in a body temperature can indicate improvement or worsening of a patient’s condition, so accurate measurement is important. Oral (also known as sublingual) temperature measurement using an electronic monitor is a convenient and accurate method of assessment. It is quick, typically 20 to 30 seconds, and does not require the patient to change position. Oral temperatures are appropriate for most patients; however, patients who cannot breathe through their nose or cannot hold their mouth closed for the duration of the assessment for any reason should have their temperature taken via another route (axillary, tympanic, rectal, etc.).

Obtaining Oral Temperature with an Electronic Monitor

  1. Gather your supplies. These include:
    • Gloves
    • Thermometer
    • Thermometer probe covers
  2. Perform hand hygiene and don gloves (per institutional policy).
  3. Ask the patient if they have had anything to drink or eat in the past 15 minutes or whether they have smoked in the last 2 minutes (food, drink, and smoking can alter the temperature of the oral cavity).
  4. Turn the thermometer on and slide a disposable probe cover over the probe stem until the cover äóìclicksäó into place.
    • Check that you are using the correct probe. Typically, blue indicates that the probe is for oral and/or axillary temperatures while red indicates that the probe is used for rectal temperatures.
  5. Ask the patient to open his mouth and gently place the tip of the probe under the tongue in the posterior portion of the mouth. If needed, press the äóìStartäó button on the thermometer.
  6. Ask the patient to close his mouth around the probe and keep the tip of the probe under his tongue.
  7. The probe should stay in place until the monitor audibly signals (beeps) that the measurement has completed and the final measurement is shown on the display.
  8. Gently remove the probe from the patient’s mouth, then press the ejection button on the probe to remove the probe cover. Discard the probe cover and place probe back in storage position.
  9. Remove gloves and perform hand hygiene.
  10. Document the temperature in the patient’s record and inform the nurse of any significant change from previous temperature per institutional or unit protocol.
  11. Disinfect the thermometer and return it to the storage or charging location per institutional or unit protocol.

Amanda R. McDaniel, MS, BSN, RN

References

Fetzer, S. J. (2014). Vital signs and physical assessment. In A. G. Perry, P. A. Potter, and W. R. Ostendorf (Eds), Clinical nursing skills & techniques (8th ed., pp. 67-72). St. Louis, MO: Mosby Elsevier.

General Survey, measurement, vital signs. (2012). In C. Jarvis (Ed.), Physical examination & health assessment (6th ed., pp. 132-133). St. Louis, MO: Elsevier Saunders.

More Resources

Moving the Resident from a Bed to a Stretcher or Gurney

Moving a patient from a bed to a stretcher can pose huge safety risks to both the patient and to the health care workers completing the transfer. Always use the appropriate amount of people to complete a transfer, which may vary according to the patient’s weight and/or the facility’s policy. In some cases, a mechanical lift may be needed.

Axillary Temperature with Electronic Thermometer

Compared to other temperature measurement methods, the axillary measurement is considered the least reliable. An axillary temperature measurement typically reads 0.5 to 1 degree Fahrenheit lower than an oral temperature reading [1]. For this reason, it is recommended to use this method only when other methods are contraindicated or when taking an axillary temperature is the safest method for the patient.

Using a Gait / Transfer Belt to Assist the Resident to Ambulate

Walking (aka, ambulating) helps residents maintain mobility and independence, and prevents complications. However, ambulation must be done safely so that the resident does not have a fall or injury. A gait or transfer belt, when properly used, can increase resident safety. Gait belts can vary between facilities, so make sure you know how to use the one in your facility.

Dressing and Undressing a Patient

Patients who have suffered a stroke or have weakness or injury to one side of their body may struggle with dressing and undressing. In order to help these patients regain their strength and independence, it is important that the nurse’s aide only assist them as needed. The nurse’s aide may need to teach patients how to dress and undress safely with their limitations.

Perineal Care of the Male Resident

Perineal care should be performed during a bath, after using the bedpan, and/or after incontinence. Special care should be used when performing perineal care on an uncircumcised male. Failure to retract and wash the area under the foreskin can result in infection. Failure to return the foreskin to its normal position can result in paraphimosis.

Assisting the Resident to Sit on the Side of the Bed

Having the resident sit on the side of the bed is otherwise referred to as dangling. When a resident quickly changes position, especially from lying to sitting or standing, there can be a rapid drop in the resident’s blood pressure. This drop in blood pressure may cause dizziness or lightheadedness.

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