Axillary thermometer w/o cover/cleaning

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The LTC facility where I'm working uses an axillary thermometer. They 'ran out of covers' and don't clean the thermometer between patients. Stupid question I know - but doesn't this spread disease? Is there something I don't understand?,this seems very wrong. I brought in some of my own alcohol packets to clean it. I'm just a student but no one there seems concerned about this topic so asking you.

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Specializes in LTC , SDC and MDS certified (3.0).

EWWWW as a graduate just mention to your instructor don't make a stink at the facility. and continue to bring you alcohol packets!!!

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This is just a case of the supply clerk falling down on the job and nobody stepping up to intervene. Have your clinical instructor "ask" the charge nurse on duty where she might find thermometer probe covers. This may be all it takes to have someone step up and let the stock clerk know that supplies need to be ordered. Meantime, just continue to use your alcohol prep in between uses.

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Thanks. Everyone seems to think I'm weird for using the alcohol but I had a close relative who died of MRSA so I'm worried about infection.

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Whereever I go, I always have a small supply of my own alcohol wipes with me for situations like this.

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Specializes in Nursing Home ,Dementia Care,Neurology..

I have never seen thermometer covers! Or are these special thermometers like the aural one which of course does have covers. The ones we put under patients arms or under tongue are either mercury or digital and are cleaned between patients with alcohol wipes.

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Hi nightmare:

These are disposable covers that eject off the digital thermometer once you are finished, probably like your aural thermometer.

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Specializes in Nursing Home ,Dementia Care,Neurology..

I see, the kind we use you can carry round in your pocket in a case.

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Specializes in nursing home care.

I've never seen covers for thermometers used under arms either. I rarely pop them in folks mouths. Come to think of it, I rarely see a thermometer in my workplace, I have a stock of my own stuff in my bag, at least I know where it is and where it's been!

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