How do I take my child's rectal temperature?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz answered:Use the thermometer with the short, round bulb, which has less of a chance of breaking than the oral thermometer with the long, skinny bulb. Carefully, shake it and make sure that it reads under 96 degrees Fahrenheit or 35 degrees centigrade. (No need to shake a digital thermometer.) Put a little petroleum jelly or water-based lubricant on the bulb end, put Junior belly down on a firm surface, and hold your child down so he can't crawl away. Insert the bulb about a half inch to an inch into his rectum, leaving it in for a full two minutes.
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Use the thermometer with the short, round bulb, which has less of a chance of breaking than the oral thermometer with the long, skinny bulb. Carefully, shake it and make sure that it reads under 96 degrees Fahrenheit or 35 degrees... More -
Dr. Deborah Raines of Honor Society of Nursing (STTI) answered:To take a rectal temperature use a digital thermometer. Glass thermometers are a potential danger because of the mercury they contain. Many thermometers are designed for either oral or rectal use. Rectal thermometers usually have a rounder and shorter tip to minimize trauma to the rectal area.
A rectal temperature us the most accurate measure of the child’s core or body temperature. Using a clean, digital thermometer, coat the end with a small amount of water soluble lubricant. Place the child on their abdomen with the buttocks exposed. Secure young children so they do not crawl away or make sudden, unexpected movements that may lead to injury. In older children instruct them to be still and enlist their cooperation throughout the procedure. Turn on the thermometer and when it is ready, slowly insert it into the rectum. In infants and small children insert the thermometer no further than ½ inch and in larger children insert the thermometer no more than 1 inch. Hold the thermometer in place while it is measuring the temperature to prevent injury. When the thermometer beeps, remove it and note the temperature. Clean the thermometer with alcohol before putting it away.
To take a rectal temperature use a digital thermometer. Glass thermometers are a potential danger because of the mercury they contain. Many thermometers are designed for either oral or rectal use. Rectal thermometers usually have a rounder and... More -
Intermountain Healthcare answered:Taking a rectal temperature is best for children under 4 years old. Here's how:
- To take a rectal temperature, use a digital thermometer that says on the box that it may be used rectally. Be sure to read the directions carefully before use.
- Coat the tip with K-Y Jelly or Vaseline; read the directions to make sure that you can use these lubricants. Some models supply plastic covers to use as well.
- Place your child on his stomach. Spread his buttocks until the anal opening is visible.
- Carefully insert the thermometer into the rectum, no more than 1/2 inch.
- You must hold your child to keep him from moving too much. Your child can be seriously injured by a rectal thermometer if you leave him alone. Try to keep him still by placing one hand on the small of his back. With your other hand, hold the thermometer firmly between your fingers and place your palm on the buttocks.
- When using a digital thermometer, wait until the thermometer beeps, then take it out. A normal rectal temperature should be 99.6 degrees Fahrenheit (37.6 degrees Celsius).
Taking a rectal temperature is best for children under 4 years old. Here's how: To take a rectal temperature, use a digital thermometer that says on the box that it may be used rectally. Be sure to read the directions carefully before use.... More
