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8. For examination of the extremities, a percussion hammer may be used

15.2 Taking patients vital signs
• Temperature
• Pulse
• Respiration
• Blood pressure
• Weight
A. Temperature
Body temperature is the balance between heat production and heat loss. Body
temperature is taken by mouth (oral temperature), by rectum (rectal temperature), by
axilla (auxiliary temperature) by infra radiation.
Temperature is taken by mouth except the patient is in a certain condition of the mouth.
Auxiliary temperature is taken only when oral or rectal temperatures cannot be taken
due to certain conditions.
0
Normal temperature is considered to be 36.5- 37 c.
General instruction
o
o
Always check the thermometer before inserting (should read 35 c (96 f) or below.
Handle thermometer with the car;-never wash with boiling water.
Never hold the thermometer by the bulb. Always hold by the stem.
Keep the oral thermometer separate from the rectal.
Temperatures are commonly taken by mouth unless contraindicated.
Temperatures are usually taken two or three times a day.
Four hourly temperatures are taken for critical cases.
Auxiliary temperatures are least accurate and therefore should not be taken unless oral
and rectal temperatures are contraindicated.
Temperatures should be taken for all patients, newly admitted.
Temperatures should be properly labeled with the full name of the patient’s room or
bed number and date.
The temperature should be charted nearly and carefully.
The thermometer should be well immersed in disinfectant solution
Changes in vital signs should be reported.

Oral temperature
Purpose
To measure body heat as an aid in determining the patient’s condition.
To help in the diagnosis

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