Shake down the thermometer before using, if the reading on the thermometer is 94.0º F or above.
Contraindications for taking axillary temperature include situations where the patient has recently bathed or used deodorant, as these can affect accuracy. Additionally, it may not be suitable for individuals with certain skin conditions or infections in the armpit area. Axillary temperature readings are generally less reliable than oral or rectal measurements, so they might not be appropriate for critically ill patients or those requiring precise temperature monitoring.
37.5
Yes, when taking an axillary (armpit) temperature, you typically add 1 degree Fahrenheit to the reading to account for the lower accuracy of this method compared to oral or rectal measurements. Axillary temperatures are generally lower than core body temperatures, so this adjustment helps provide a more accurate estimation of the body's actual temperature. However, it is always best to follow specific guidelines or recommendations from healthcare professionals.
Axillary temperature is the least accurate because the area is exposed to circulating air outside of the armpit cavity, and in order for the result to be accurate, it takes 10 minutes of holding the thermometer in place. This is hard on the patient and the lab tech/nurse taking the person's temperature.
A blue-tipped thermometer is commonly used for axillary temperature readings.
An axillary temperature is typically 0.5°F (0.3°C) lower than an oral temperature. Therefore, an axillary temperature taken as 98.6°F would be roughly equivalent to an oral temperature of 99.1°F.
rectal tympanic axilla
The three main routes for taking a temperature are oral, rectal, and axillary (underarm). Oral measurements are taken in the mouth, rectal measurements are taken in the rectum, and axillary measurements are taken in the armpit. Each route can provide slightly different readings, so it's important to use the same method consistently for accurate comparisons.
The four main routes for taking temperature are oral, rectal, axillary (underarm), and tympanic (ear). Oral temperature is measured by placing a thermometer in the mouth, while rectal temperature is taken by inserting a thermometer into the rectum, often providing the most accurate reading. Axillary temperature involves placing the thermometer in the armpit, and tympanic temperature is measured in the ear using an infrared thermometer. Each method has its own advantages and is chosen based on the patient's age, condition, and the required accuracy.
putting a probe in the patients armpit?
Axillary
The best method for measuring temperature is rectally, as it provides the most accurate representation of core body temperature. Oral measurements are also reliable but can be affected by factors like recent food or drink intake. Axillary readings are the least accurate and often underrepresent core temperature. Therefore, rectal thermometry is preferred, especially in clinical settings.