Temps in the ER

[LegzRN]

Hello all,

I was at a hospital training session the other day and the ED nurse educator made a comment about how we're (ER nurses) are really good about keeping up with vitals, but really bad when it comes to temps. In most instances, the patient's temp is checked at triage and that's about it. I, personally, only recheck temps if the patient was febrile and I administered Tylenol and am doing a follow up or if I notice a change in skin temp (or other obvious factors). Just wondering about the practices of the other ED nurses on this board when it comes to rechecking temps?

Also, does anyone else use the temporal thermometers? I like them because they're easy to use and are said to be an accurate reflection of core temperature when used correctly, however, I still go for a rectal temp for a real-real reading.

Thoughts and opinions are appreciated!

Cheers!

[hiddencatRN, BSN, RN]

What brand temporal thermometers have you all used? That's pretty much what we use exclusively. There are disposable oral thermometers we give to parents who bring their kids in for a fever who can't tell us what the fever was, and I think we have one or two machines floating around with a reusable oral on it that works sloooooooooowly. So slow that if that's what I'm using I've often given up and gone in search of the temporal thermometers.

What sort of sheath are you using on them? Are you cleaning the sensor frequently?

[LegzRN]

What brand temporal thermometers have you all used? That's pretty much what we use exclusively. There are disposable oral thermometers we give to parents who bring their kids in for a fever who can't tell us what the fever was, and I think we have one or two machines floating around with a reusable oral on it that works sloooooooooowly. So slow that if that's what I'm using I've often given up and gone in search of the temporal thermometers.

What sort of sheath are you using on them? Are you cleaning the sensor frequently?

As for the brand, I have no idea. I can check next time I work. The sheaths we use look like little gray plastic cups with a hole at the bottom. Triage uses them most frequently, so if they are cleaning them, I'm sure they're just using alcohol wipes.

[canoehead, BSN, RN]

What brand temporal thermometers have you all used? That's pretty much what we use exclusively. There are disposable oral thermometers we give to parents who bring their kids in for a fever who can't tell us what the fever was, and I think we have one or two machines floating around with a reusable oral on it that works sloooooooooowly. So slow that if that's what I'm using I've often given up and gone in search of the temporal thermometers.

What sort of sheath are you using on them? Are you cleaning the sensor frequently?

Exergen. I emailed the company for tips on getting a more accurate temp, and did everything they said but had the same issues. I get more accurate temps with a hand on the forehead.