How to use Exergen temporal thermometer?

[studentnurse9806]

I see some people slide it just across the forehead, while other slide it all the way behind the ear. What's the proper way and will give me the most accurate reading?

[studentnurse9806]

I looked it up and still did not get a consistent answer ?

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

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1. Slide straight across forehead
   Place probe on center of forehead, depress button &
   keep depressed until temp is complete
   Slide probe in a straight line across forehead to the hairline
   (if you curve down the side of the face, you will miss the temporal artery)
2. Touch the soft depression behind the ear
   The "perfume spot"
3. Remove from head, read & record temp

http://www.exergen.com/tathermometry/Exergen-TemporalScanner---Important-Points-for-Inservicing.pdf

[studentnurse9806]

So u keep it depressed while ur lifting it away from the forehead to behind the ear? Wouldn't that affect the reading?

[Jenny_Lx]

I'm wondering the same thing as the above poster. Can anyone clarify?

[SierraBravo]

Yes, you keep the button depressed while the thermometer is lifted from the temporal artery and placed on the spot behind the ear. If you let go of the button the temperature will display and will probably be skewed.

[jadelpn, LPN, EMT-B]

Place thermometer on forehead with button pushed. KEEP the button pushed while you go across the forehead, behind the ear, and up under the earlobe area (the carotid) then let go of button.

Not a giant fan...there seems to be a lot of variables, so if a fever is suspected, I always follow up with a rectal for accuracy.

[SierraBravo]

jadelpn said:

Not a giant fan...there seems to be a lot of variables, so if a fever is suspected, I always follow up with a rectal for accuracy.

Your patients must love you! HAHA just kidding