A rectal thermometer is usually only used to take the temperature of a baby, but it can also be used on sick elderly people. According to doctors, rectal temperature measurement is most accurate, especially in children under four years of age and in people who are unable to take their temperature orally. You have to be careful when taking the temperature rectally on another person. The thermometer may puncture the rectal wall or otherwise cause pain due to mishandling of the thermometer. Here are some suggestions on how to safely and effectively use a rectal thermometer to take a person's temperature.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Knowing when to take a rectal temperature
Step 1. Watch for the symptoms of fever
The symptoms of fever include:
- Sweating and shivering
- Headache
- muscle strain
- No appetite
- Overall feeling of weakness
- Hallucinations and confusion (with very high fever)
Step 2. Take into account the age and behavior of your child or elderly patient
In babies under three months old, it is strongly recommended to take the temperature rectally. This is because the ear canal in a baby of that age is too small to insert an electronic ear thermometer.
- For children from three months to four years old, you can use an electronic ear thermometer to take the temperature in the ear canal or use a rectal thermometer to take the temperature rectally. You can also use a digital thermometer to take the temperature under the armpit, but this method is less accurate.
- In children who are over four years old and able to work with, you can use an oral digital thermometer to take the temperature orally. You should check whether the child has to breathe through his or her mouth because of a blocked nose. As a result, the temperature may not be measured correctly.
- With older people, you should also take into account the fact that they may not want to cooperate and decide on that basis which method is best to use. Otherwise, you may not be able to accurately record the temperature.
Part 2 of 4: Preparing to use a rectal thermometer
Step 1. Get a rectal thermometer
You can get this type of thermometer at the pharmacy. Do not use an oral thermometer to take the temperature rectally, as this could cause injury.
- Rectal thermometers have a rounded end that is specially designed to take the rectal temperature safely.
- Read your thermometer's manual to find out how to use it. If you know how to work with the thermometer, you will not leave the device in the patient's anus for too long.
Step 2. Make sure that the baby or patient has not been bathed in the last 20 minutes, or that the baby has not been swaddled (in this case, a baby is wrapped tightly in cloths to keep warm)
As a result, you may not be able to accurately record the temperature.
Step 3. Clean the tip of the rectal thermometer with soapy water or rubbing alcohol
Never use a thermometer you've used to take the temperature rectally to take the temperature elsewhere, as doing so can spread bacteria.
Step 4. Put a little Vaseline on the end of the thermometer to make it easier to insert into the anus
If you prefer to put a disposable cover on the thermometer, use that instead of petroleum jelly. Be careful with the case. The case can slide off the thermometer when you take the temperature. You will have to grab the cover when you take the thermometer out afterwards.
Step 5. Lay the patient on his stomach with his butt up
If you are taking a baby's temperature, you may want to place the baby on your lap so that his legs are in the air. It is also a good idea to put the baby on his changing table.
Turn on the thermometer
Part 3 of 4: Taking the temperature rectally
Step 1. Use one hand to gently spread the buttocks with your thumb and forefinger so that you can see the anus
With your other hand, gently insert the thermometer 1 to 2 centimeters into the patient's anus.
- The thermometer should point toward the patient's navel.
- Stop if you feel resistance.
Step 2. Hold the thermometer in place by placing one hand on the buttocks
Use the other hand to reassure the patient and prevent him from moving. It is important that the patient remains still when the thermometer is inserted so that the patient is not injured during the procedure.
- If the patient moves too much, the thermometer may not work properly or it may stick into the patient's anus.
- Never leave a baby or elderly patient unattended with a thermometer in the anus.
Step 3. Carefully remove the thermometer when it beeps or beeps
Read the temperature and write it down. When the temperature is taken rectally, it is usually 0.5 °C higher than when the temperature is taken orally.
When you take the thermometer out, you should also make sure to remove the disposable cover, if you've used one
Step 4. Thoroughly clean the thermometer before storing
Use soapy water or apply rubbing alcohol to the thermometer. Dry the thermometer and store it in its original packaging so that you can use it again the next time.
Part 4 of 4: Getting medical help
Step 1. Call your doctor right away if your baby is under three months old and his rectal temperature is 38°C or higher, even if there are no other signs of illness
This is very important. Your child cannot fight diseases well because his or her immune system is not yet fully developed. Babies are more susceptible to some serious bacterial infections such as kidney and bloodstream infections, as well as pneumonia.
If your baby has a fever at the weekend or in the evening, go to the GP or the emergency room
Step 2. Call your doctor when your baby is 3 to 6 months old and his temperature is 38.3°C or higher
Your doctor should be made aware of this, even if there are no other signs of illness.
In children older than 6 months, you should call your doctor if the temperature is 39.4°C or higher, even if there are no other signs of illness
Step 3. Be aware of other situations where you need to contact a doctor
There are certain other situations where you may need to contact a doctor. This depends on the age of the person and the symptoms they have.
- For a child over 2 years old, call a doctor for a fever up to 38.9 degrees Celsius with vague symptoms (lethargy, restlessness). Also call a doctor for a temperature above 39.9 that lasts for more than 3 days and if the child is not responding to medication.
- In adults, contact a doctor for fever if the patient does not respond to medication, is 39.4 degrees Celsius or if the temperature persists for more than 3 days.
Step 4. Watch for a lower than normal temperature in a newborn
If a newborn has a lower than normal temperature, lower than 36.1 degrees Celsius, you should immediately call a doctor. Young babies may not regulate their temperature properly when they are sick.
Step 5. Call a patient's doctor of any age if he or she has a fever for 3 days and shows no other symptoms of illness, such as cold symptoms or diarrhea
You should also do this if a patient:
- Have a fever and sore throat for longer than 24 hours
- Also showing signs of dehydration (dry mouth, less than one wet diaper for 8 hours)
- Also has pain when urinating
- Also refuses to eat, has a rash or has trouble breathing
- Recently returned from a holiday abroad
Step 6. Seek immediate medical attention if a child or an elderly person:
- Have a fever with a body temperature of 40.6°C or higher
- Have a fever and clearly have trouble breathing
- Has a fever and has so much trouble swallowing that he or she drools
- Has a fever and is still drowsy and listless after taking fever-reducing medicines
- Have a fever accompanied by a headache, a stiff neck, or purple or red patches on the skin
- Fever and also has severe pain
- Has a fever and also has febrile seizures
- Have a fever and have another medical condition, especially conditions that weaken the immune system.
Step 7. Seek adult medical help if certain symptoms are present
Adults may also need emergency medical care in some situations. Seek emergency medical help for an adult if they have a fever and:
- They complain of severe headaches.
- They have severe swelling of the throat.
- They have an unusual skin rash that gets worse quickly.
- They complain of a stiff neck and pain when they bend their head forward.
- They are extremely sensitive to bright light.
- They seem confused.
- They cough stubbornly.
- They complain of muscle weakness or sensory changes.
- They have an attack.
- They seem to have trouble breathing or complain of chest pain.
- They seem extremely irritable or lethargic.
- They have abdominal pain when they urinate.
- You notice other unexplained symptoms.