How To Use Rectal Thermometers

Here you will find the answer to the question how to use rectal thermometers. Rectal thermometers have been around for many years and are the most accurate way to get a temperature reading. However, many hospital emergency rooms have switched over to digital ear thermometers, which may not always give an accurate temperature reading. When taking the temperature of a baby, a rectal thermometer is best method because of the accurate reading you will receive. Listed below you will find out how to use rectal thermometers to take an accurate temperature reading.

Supplies:

• Thermometer
• Petroleum jelly
• Watch
• Tissues 

1. Shake down the mercury. Shake your rectal thermometer until the mercury is toward he bottom of the rectal thermometer. The mercury needs to be below the 98 degrees F mark.
2. Check the thermometer. Check the thermometer under a light to make sure the mercury is below the 98 F mark. This will ensure you get an accurate reading of the temperature.
3. Lubricate the thermometer. Use petroleum jelly. Some thermometers come with lubricated sheaths. Lubricating or using the plastic sheaths makes insertion easy and painless.
4. Lay on the left side. Lay on the left side with knees slightly bent to insert the rectal thermometer. Insert the rectal thermometer about an inch into the rectum and have them hold very still.
5. Remove rectal thermometer after two minutes. Use a watch to ensure you have left it in for the full two minutes. If you take out the thermometer too early, you will not get an accurate temperature reading.
6. Wipe rectal thermometer with tissue. Wipe the rectal thermometer clean so you can see the reading. Hold the rectal thermometer under a bright light and look for the red mercury. This will be the temperature you have.

Knowing how to use a rectal thermometer is the best way to get a correct temperature. Keep in mind that a rectal temperaturs of 99.6 degrees F is normal.