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Axillary Temperature with Electronic Thermometer

Written by Hollie Finders, RN
Hollie Finders is a registered nurse with years of experience working in the health care field. She has degrees in both biochemistry and nursing. After working with patients of all ages, Hollie now specializes in pediatric intensive care nursing. Hollie’s LinkedIn

Procedure

Equipment needed: axillary thermometer, disposable probe cover, and gloves

  1. Perform hand hygiene and put on gloves.
  2. Explain the procedure to the patient and ask for his or her assistance in following directions.
  3. Get the thermometer from its base unit and apply a disposable cover to the probe. Be sure the probe cover is secure and locked into place. If the thermometer has multiple modes, be sure to use axillary mode.
  4. Expose the axilla (armpit) by moving the patient’s arm away from the torso.
  5. Inspect the axilla for rashes and/or open sores. If present, stop and attempt to use the opposite axilla or choose another method for obtaining the patient’s temperature. Be sure to report the found skin issues to the nurse.
  6. If needed, dry the axilla by wiping the area with a tissue.
  7. Place the tip of the covered probe into the center of the axilla and return the arm to the patient’s side. Create a tight seal around the probe by folding the patient’s arm onto his or her chest.
  8. Hold the probe in place until the thermometer signals completion (depending on the device, it may flash or beep). Read the temperature on the electronic display screen.
  9. Gently lift the arm away from the body and remove the probe.
  10. Eject the disposable probe cover into the waste bin and return the thermometer to its base unit.
  11. Remove gloves and perform hand hygiene.
  12. Record temperature, method used (axillary), date, and time in the patient’s chart.
  13. Alert the medical professional of any changes in the patient’s condition.

Important Information

Compared to other temperature measurement methods, the axillary measurement is considered the least reliable. An axillary temperature measurement typically reads 0.5 to 1 degree Fahrenheit lower than an oral temperature reading [1]. For this reason, it is recommended to use this method only when other methods are contraindicated or when taking an axillary temperature is the safest method for the patient (e.g. unconscious, confused, uncooperative, and/or disoriented patients). If a patient has an injury to the arm or shoulder, has recently had chest or breast surgery, or has a rash or an open sore in the axilla, the unaffected side should be used to perform the temperature measurement.

References

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11198790

More Resources

Making an Occupied Bed

If a patient is bedridden or on bedrest, the bed linens will need to be changed while the patient is in the bed. For safety reasons, the nurse’s aid should avoid making an occupied bed if the patient is able to get out of bed. Bed linens should be changed according to the facility’s policy or anytime they are wet or soiled.

Prone Position

Prone position is not used as commonly as other patient positions. This position allows for full extension of the hips and the knees and gives many bony prominences a break from continuous pressure. However, placing patients in prone position does not come without the risks of pressure ulcers.

Removing Personal Protective Equipment

It is important to follow the correct procedure while removing personal protective equipment to avoid contaminating your skin or clothing. The most common source of contamination in this process stems from improper removal of gloves. Gloves are often the most soiled piece of equipment. To avoid contaminating your skin or the other equipment worn, gloves should always be removed first. Then remove the goggles, gown, and mask, in that order.

Rectal Temperature with Electronic Thermometer

A rectal temperature provides the most accurate core body temperature reading compared to other non-invasive methods. This makes a rectal temperature desirable; however, this procedure comes with more patient discomfort and more safety risks (bowel perforation, mucosal damage, and/or vagus nerve stimulation) than the other temperature measurement methods.

Performing Ostomy Care

Residents who have had a portion of their intestines removed due to illness or trauma may have a temporary or permanent ostomy, which is an opening in the abdomen that is created for the elimination of urine or feces. The portion of the intestine that is connected to the abdominal wall and is visible is called the stoma. A pouch is placed over the stoma to collect feces.

Performing the Heimlich Maneuver

The Heimlich Maneuver, also known as abdominal thrusts, is used to remove an object that is blocking a resident’s airway and preventing air from reaching the lungs. It only takes four to six minutes for brain damage to occur from lack of oxygen, so prompt action is vital.

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