Choosing a Thermometer
Lois E Paul
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Choosing and using a thermometer.
Reprinted from Working Mother Magazine, November 1995.
Today, there are three choices of temperature-taking devices:
Mercury thermometer.This is the old-fashioned standard that you
first need to shake down until the mercury line falls below 96F.
The version for rectal use, which has a rounded-bulb end (the
one for oral use has a slender tip),provides thf gold standard
measurement for temperature measurement in youngsters under six
months."Without doubt, the mercury thermometer provides the most
accurate reading, and in younger babies precision is essential
because small differences in temperature readings can translate
into big differences in the diagnostic procedures you consider,"
says Ralph Minear, MD.
The best way to take a rectal temperature: Shake the thermometer so
that the, mercury is below 97F. Place petroleum jelly on the silver
tip of the thermometer and place a dab on your baby's rectal
opening too. Holding your baby face down (on your lap is easiest),
gently slide the thermometer into the rectum, just past they silver
tip. Hold your child and the thermometer firmly for two minutes,
then remove the thermometer and take the reading.
To use an oral mercury thermometer in a child older than five years
(they are not recommended for use in younger children because of
the risk that they might accidentally bite the tip off), insert the
tip under the tongue with her lips closed for two to three minutes.
Wait at least 15 minutes after your child drinks hot or cold
liquids before taking an oral temperature.
Less accurately, a rectal or oral mercury thermometer can be used
to take an axillary temperature in which the tip of the thermometer
is placed high in the armpit, then the arm is held snugly alongside
the body for five minutes.
Digital thermometer. Reasonably priced (about $10), easy to read
and fast and accurate in children over six months, digital
thermometers can be used rec-tally, orally or for an axillary
reading, using the same procedures as with a mercury thermometer.
The only difference is that you need to wait only one minute for a
reading and the digital thermometer will beep when it reaches your
youngster's highest temperature.
Tympanic thermometer. Because of the structure of the eardrum,
these thermometers which are gently (painlessly) inserted into a
child's ear canal are not considered very accurate in children
under six months. But in older children, a tympanic is extremely
easy to use, mainly because it gives a reading with a flick of a
switch, in less than two or three seconds. Although a tympanic is
pricier than the other options, about $99, it's a tremendous
convenience, especially if your child tends to squirm and fuss
during temperature-taking.
Note: Forehead strips, which are treated with temperature-sensitive
chemicals, are not considered accurate.
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Lois E Paul, Executive Director Voice (209) 478-5585
Help The Children FAX (209) 478-5586
1350 W Robinhood Dr Ste2 TDD/TTY (209) 478-5685
Stockton California 95207-5512 E-Mail HT...@Delphi.Com
HTTP://www.adopting.org/htc.html
Mother to Helene (27), Erica (26), Thiago (17), Andy (11)
and grandmother to Joshua (6), Jessica (6), and Anthony (born Dec 96)
- All Children Are Gifted....
They Just Open Their Presents At Different Times-
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