Republic of the hilippines Department of Education REGION XI SCHOOLS DIVISION OFFICE OF COTABATO TEMPERATURE TAKING BERNARD ALLAN V. MANGARON, MAN, RN February 8, 2022 Background Body temperature measures how well your body generates and expels heat. Even when temperatures outside the body change dramatically, the body is very good at keeping its temperature within a safe range. Furthermore, your body temperature can be measured in various locations on your body. The most common are in the mouth, ear, armpit, rectum, and forehead (University of Michigan Health, 2020). Temperature changes from time to time, and several daily activities influence that change, including how active you are, the time of day, age, sex, food and drinks consumed, and the menstrual cycle in women. Furthermore, body temperature readings vary depending on where they are taken, For example, rectal temperatures can be higher than the mouth, while underarm temperatures can be lower (Felson, 2017) Fever is defined as increased body temperature; it usually indicates infection The average body temperature ranges from 36.1 to 37.2 degrees Celsius (Mayo Clinic, 2019). According to the Department of Education's guidelines on the required minimum health protocols, the body temperature of 37.5 degrees Celsius is considered febrile or having a fever (DepEd Order No. 014, s. 2020) A thermometer is a device used to measure temperature. It can measure the temperature of solid-like food, liquid-like water, or gas-like air. The three most common temperature measurement units are Celsius, Fahrenheit, and kelvin. Furthermore, the metric system of measurement includes mass units such as kilograms, length units such as kilometers, and a Celsius scale for measuring temperature. For example, water has a freezing point of zero degrees Celsius and a boiling point of 100 degrees Celsius (National Geographic Society, 2012) ‘Adaress: Capitol Compound Amas, Kidapawan Gty Tweeter: @DepEE_northcot age 1of Telejoe (091) 377-7017 Fs.Grovp-Deped Cotabato Division (Offical) Email” northcotabato@ DepEd gov ph F8Poge: Deped Cotabato Division Page Wobste: sdocotaboto.comges g % é B @ Soe” Republic of the Philippines Department of Education REGION XII SCHOOLS DIVISION OFFICE OF COTABATO Types of Thermometers There are various types of medical thermometers on the market; however, this article will only focus on two types of thermometers that are simple to use (Whelan, 2020). 1. Digital thermometers that use heat sensors to calculate body temperature. This type of thermometer is recommended for taking temperatures in the mouth, rectum, or armpit. Furthermore, digital thermometers have the advantage of providing accurate readings in less than one minute. Benefits Y Oral thermometers are most accurate in children over three and in adults. Drawbacks ¥ Small children and people who have difficulty breathing may not keep their mouths closed long enough to read accurately. 2. Temporal (forehead) thermometers, also known as non-contact infrared thermometers, use infrared sensors to measure the temperature of the superficial temporal artery, a branch of the carotid artery. Forehead thermometers that do not require physical contact have grown in popularity for use in places like airports, stores, and stadiums. Benefits ¥ Temporal thermometers provide accurate readings in a matter of seconds, Y They are simple to use and can be given to infants, children, and adults. ‘Adaress: Capitol Compound Amas, Kidapawan Gty Tweeter: @DepEE_northcot Page 20f5 Telejoe (091) 377-7017 Fs.Grovp-Deped Cotabato Division (Offical) Email” northcotabato@ DepEd gov ph F8Poge: Deped Cotabato Division Page Wobste: sdocotaboto.comRepublic of the Philippines Department of Education REGION XI SCHOOLS DIVISION OFFICE OF COTABATO Drawbacks V Forehead thermometers must be correctly positioned and follow the manufacturer's instructions, or they will not provide an accurate reading. Y External factors such as drafts, wind, indoor heating, and direct sunlight can impact readings. ¥ Wearing certain clothing items, such as hats or heavy coats, can cause the results to be skewed. GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS: HOW TO USE AN INFRARED THERMOMETER 1. Press the "Power" button to turn the thermometer on. 2. Wait at least 15 minutes for the device to warm up. Press the button to put the thermometer in Celsius mode, Note: Confirm the thermometer is on the "body reading" setting (if applicable). 4. Stand to the side of the person whose temperature you are taking (Do not face them directly. Instead, take two steps back.) 5. Ask the person to push back hair, remove hat or glasses, and wipe off sweat, as this could give an inaccurate reading Point the thermometer at the end of the person's right eyebrow. 7. Hold the thermometer at a length of 3 fingers put together from the person's temple (3-5 cm). (The thermometer should not touch the skin.) 8. Read the thermometer screen + Temperature is less than 35°C, retake temperature + Temperature is 38°C or higher. This person has a fever 9. Ifthe person meets the rest of the suspect case definition, then’ + Notify Nurse on Duty, + Escort patient to the isolation area 10. Remember to wait 15 seconds between each patient! Never turn off the device until your shift is over! Page 3 of Sey ‘Adaress: Capitol Compound Amas, Kidapawan Gty Tweeter: @DepEE_northcot age 30f5 Telejoe (091) 377-7017 Fs.Grovp-Deped Cotabato Division (Offical) Email” northcotabato@ DepEd gov ph F8Poge: Deped Cotabato Division Page Wobste: sdocotaboto.comfai Republic = ‘the ulin Department of Education REGION XI SCHOOLS DIVISION OFFICE OF COTABATO Maintenance 4. Change the batteries often. The frequency will depend on the type of thermometer. 2. Wipe the lens daily. et Tate Maieaeleidoars AOE ULC Met ‘Remember to wait 15 seconds between each patient! ‘Never tum ff the device unl your shit i ver! ‘dees: Capa Compound Ames Kcapawan ty Tweeter @DepEe-norbest Page 4of f Telefoe (064) 37 FB Grovp:DepEd Cotabato Division (Offical) Emar: frthcabets@DepEd go. ph F8Poge: Deped Cotabato Division Page Websee toRepublic of the hilippines Department of Education REGION XI SCHOOLS DIVISION OFFICE OF COTABATO References DepEd Order No. 014, s. 2020 Guidelines on the Required Health Standards in Basic Education Offices and Schools National Geographic Society. (2012, October 9). thermometer. Retrieved February 8, 2022, from https:/Awww, nationalgeographic. org/encyclopedia/thermometer! Felson, F. (2017, March 22). What is Normal Body Temperature? WebMD. Retrieved February 8, 2022, from https://www.webmd.com/first-aidinormal-body- temperature Mayo Clinic. (2019, September 11). Fever: First aid. Retrieved February 8, 2022, from https:/www.mayoclinic. org/first-aid/first-aid-fever/basics/art- 20056685?reDate=07022022 University of Michigan Health. (2020, February 26). Body Temperature | Michigan Medicine. Retrieved February 8, 2022, from https:/www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/hw198785 Whelan, C. (2020, December 15). Advantages and Disadvantages of Different Types of Thermometers. Healthline. Retrieved February 8, 2022, from https:/www_healthline.com/healthitypes-of-thermometersi#types ‘Adaress: Capitol Compound Amas, Kidapawan Gty Tweeter: @DepEE_northcot age 5 of 5 Telejoe (091) 377-7017 Fs.Grovp-Deped Cotabato Division (Offical) Email” northcotabato@ DepEd gov ph F8Poge: Deped Cotabato Division Page Wobste: sdocotaboto.com Page 5 of Sey