Rectal temps in peds

[MrsWampthang]

In our ER our docs insist on us taking rectal temps on babies. I don't mind doing this if they aren't squirming all over the place, (makes me nervous) but I'm just curious how anyone else takes temps on peds.

I have called up to my peds floor to give report and asked about rectal temps and told that they don't do them up there. Anyone have any thoughts on the advantages, disadvantages of rectal temps?

Thanks, Pam :)

[TinyNurse, RN]

in my current ER we only take adults..........

but at my old ER any patient under 2 got a rectal........... bottom line.

i hate taking rectals in kids, ( never taken my own kids temp this way)