Taking an infant's temp.

[kbclary4]

How do you all do it? Ear, rectal or underarm and add a degree? I am having a debate with a friend over the best way. She says the nurses in the hospital she delivered @ did it under the arm, but her pediatrician says that is not the most accurate way and to do it rectally.

[dawngloves, BSN, RN]

How can you tell whether it's a viral or bacterial infection with a number on a thermometer?

Like I said. A fever is just a symptom and one of many diagnostic tools. Bacterial infections cause a persistant elevated temp (Over 101f).

[dawngloves, BSN, RN]

I totally agree with the second reply to my post. But please understand, I am NOT speaking of otherwise compromised patients. I am speaking of the normal, healthy child who is running a fever for whatever reason. I would love to hear what Dr. Mendelsohn would say re: some of the other posts. It would be interesting to hear...

Since you are posting in the OB section and the nurses here deal with neonates, you may have few replies. You might want to try Pediatric Nursing.