There are several ways to take an adult’s, or a child’s temperature. The armpit method is pretty self-explanatory so we’re going to explain how to take the temperature, through the mouth (oral), and ear (tympanic).
The Mouth:
There are a variety of oral thermometers currently on the market but, for the most part, they all work the same way. Whether it’s the latest digital thermometers or a good old-fashioned glass thermometer, we can help you figure out how to take a temperature by mouth.
- Take the thermometer out of its case. Clean and dry it before use.
- With your mouth open, put the tip of the thermometer underneath your tongue.
- Gently close your lips around the thermometer while keeping it under your tongue.
- Keep the thermometer under your tongue until either your digital thermometer beeps or for 3 minutes with a glass thermometer.
- Remove the thermometer from your mouth without touching the tip.
- Check the digital or analogue readout for your temperature.
- Clean the thermometer after using it and return it to its holder.
The Ear:
The fastest and easiest way to take an elderly person or a child’s temperature is usually through the ear. If you aren’t familiar with how to use an ear thermometer on a child or adult, we’ll help walk you through it. Read any instructions that came with the thermometer.
- Take the thermometer out of its case and put a throw-away cover over the tip of the thermometer.
- Hold the person or child’s head so that they don’t move their head accidentally while you’re taking their temperature.
- For children, pull the ear straight back. For adults, pull the ear gently up and then back,
- Gently put the covered tip into the ear opening. Do not force the thermometer.
- Wait for the thermometer to beep while holding down the button.
- Remove the thermometer from the ear and read the temperature display
- Remove and discard the throw-away cover and put the thermometer back into its case.
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