Temperature checking

[marjoriemac, LPN]

Just a question due to inconsistent practice I have observed. In one place I worked, staff frequently added a degree © to temperature taken via armpit as they said that would give an accurate reading. I have never observed this being done anywhere else. Is this correct?

[nightmare, RN]

I have heard of this,apparently temps taken with aural thermometers are a degree higher than at the armpit.Best way is to state where temp was taken giving the correct temp as taken then doctor or whoever can judge for themselves instead of you giving an inaccurate reading

[CapeCodMermaid, RN]

We should chart where we obtained the temp...rectally, orally,axillary. We don't use the ear thermometers here. They don't give accurate readings because old people have so much wax in their ears.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

Just a question due to inconsistent practice I have observed. In one place I worked, staff frequently added a degree © to temperature taken via armpit as they said that would give an accurate reading. I have never observed this being done anywhere else. Is this correct?

In school, I was instructed to add 1 degree to temperatures that were obtained in the axillary (armpit) region. Most of the time, however, I simply avoid obtaining temps in that area of the body. I simply use a thermometer that you swipe across the forehead. Apparently, it is measuring the temperature of the patient's temporal arteries...

[AprilRNhere]

In school we were taught to never add just to state what the temp is and where it was taken. I think the add a degree was started more for home use to let parents know what a more accurate temp is. Mentally at home I still add a degree when I take a temp under my childs arm..but I would never report the modified temp.

[pumpkin92356]

Great question! I chart the location I took the temperature and let it go from there.