Programs

Blog

Rectal 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: rectal thermometer, disposable probe cover, lubricant, tissue, and gloves

  1. Perform hand hygiene and put on gloves.
  2. Explain the procedure to the patient and ask for their assistance in following directions.
  3. Raise the side rail on the patient’s left side for safety. If the bed can be raised, adjust it to a comfortable working height.
  4. Assist the patient into Sims’ position (left side lying).
  5. Adjust the linens to expose only the buttocks.
  6. Apply a disposable cover to the temperature probe. Be sure the probe cover is secure and locked into place.
  7. Apply an adequate amount of lubricant to the probe cover. Ensure the tip and 1-2 inches of the probe is lubricated.
  8. Using one hand, separate the buttocks to expose the anus.
  9. With the other hand, insert the lubricated probe 1-1.5 inches into the rectum in the direction of the umbilicus. If there is any resistance, stop the procedure immediately, withdraw the probe carefully, and notify the medical professional. Do not force the probe into the rectum.
  10. 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.
  11. Gently remove the probe and eject the disposable probe cover into the waste bin.
  12. Use a tissue to wipe away any excess lubricant or feces found around the patient’s anus. Dispose of the tissue in the proper waste receptacle.
  13. Assist the patient back into a comfortable position and, if raised, return the bed to the lowest setting.
  14. Return the thermometer to its base unit.
  15. Remove gloves and perform hand hygiene.
  16. Record temperature, method used (rectal), date, and time in the patient’s chart.
  17. Alert the medical professional of any changes in the patient’s condition.

Important Information

A rectal temperature provides the most accurate core body temperature reading compared to other non-invasive methods [1]. 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 [2]. In order to avoid these risks, the nurse’s assistant must communicate with the patient throughout the procedure, encouraging him or her to relax, take deep breaths, and remain still.

Prior to performing a rectal temperature, the nurse’s assistant should verify with the nurse that the patient does not have any of the following contraindications: diarrhea, hemorrhoids, rectal bleeding, rectal disease, recent rectal surgery, bleeding tendencies, neutropenia, or certain heart conditions [3].

References

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7663592

2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3440892

3. https://www.guideline.gov/summaries/summary/36842L

More Resources

Tympanic Membrane Temperature with Electronic Thermometer

A tympanic membrane thermometer uses an infrared sensor to measure the temperature of the tympanic membrane (ear drum). This type of thermometer is considered an accurate and reliable predictor of a patient’s core temperature because the tympanic membrane’s blood supply is sourced from the carotid artery, which is the same artery that carries blood to the hypothalamus in the brain.

Offering the Bedpan

When a resident is bed-bound, they must use a bedpan to urinate and defecate. This can be embarrassing for the resident, so it should be done with sensitivity to the resident’s privacy and dignity. There are two types of bedpans. A regular bedpan is the deeper and more rounded of the two. A fracture pan has a relatively flat upper end with a trough at the lower end. Fracture pans are used for residents who have difficulty, or restrictions against, moving their hips and/or backs.

Handwashing for CNAs

Handwashing is considered the single most important practice to prevent the spread of infection. Even when hands look clean, they could potentially be crawling with dangerous microorganisms and pathogens. Using soap and friction during handwashing helps loosen the oils on the skin, allowing dirt and pathogens to be rinsed away.

Logrolling the Resident

Logrolling is a technique used to roll a resident onto their side without the resident helping, and while keeping the resident’s spine in a straight line. This is especially important for residents who have had spinal surgery or injury.

Nail Care (Fingers and Toes) for CNAs

Nail care of both the feet and the hands should be performed as part of the patient’s daily hygiene routine. The status of the patient’s nails can reflect their overall health. Nail issues can also lead to infection that can spread systemically (ex, ingrown nails or fungus). You should never clip a patient’s nails with nail clippers, and always review your institution’s policy about what nail care is allowed.

Fowler’s Position

Fowler’s position is used when a patient is eating, is having difficulty breathing, or is ordered by a doctor. This position is easily recognized because the patient will be sitting “straight up.” Semi-Fowler’s is sitting “half-way up,” and is used when patients cannot be laid flat, but wish to be in a more relaxed position than Fowler’s.

Find CNA Programs in Your State

Find LPN/LVN Programs in Your State

Find Medical Assisting Programs in Your State

Find RN Programs in Your State

Find MSN Programs in Your State

Find NP Programs in Your State

Find DNP Programs in Your State

Graduate-Level Concentrations