skin temp. vs temp.

[yananlosttardis]

hi

Im a nursing student who just start the first semester

Im doing an assessment about physical assessment and from the research

I notice that during the skin assessment we need to assess the skin temperature by the back of hand

but since we need to do the temperature measurement later(in vital signs)

why do we still need to check the temperature in skin assessment?

is it necessary to do both?

thx

[FLArn]

Skin temperature does not always parallel core temperature. If perfusion is impaired the person could have an elevated core temperature but have extremities that are cool to cold to the touch. Also localized warmth could indicate infection.

[yananlosttardis]

thanks a lot

[Forever Sunshine, ASN, RN]

Its always good to get an actual temp measurement.

A resident could feel warm and have a temp.. and a resident could also feel cool and clammy and have a temp.