While the science of thermodynamics, temperature is a measure of the tendency of the form or system to release energy spontaneously.
Core Temperature and Surface Temperature
Core temperature: the temperature found on the inside of the body tissues, such as the cranial, thoracic, abdominal cavity and pelvic cavity. This temperature is usually maintained relatively constant (approximately 37 ° C).
Place the core temperature measurements are most effective: the rectum, the tympanic membrane, esophagus, pulmonel arteries, bladder, rectal.
Surface temperature: the temperature in the skin, subcutaneous tissue, and fat. This temperature can typically fluctuate by 20 ° C to 40 ° C.
Surface temperature measurements place the most effective: skin, axillary, oral.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Body Temperature Measurement
1. Tympanic Membrane
Advantages
- Easily accessible place.
- Change the position of the required minimum.
- Give an accurate reading of the core.
- The measurement time is very fast (2-5 seconds).
- Can be done without waking or disturbing the client.
- Hearing aids must be removed before the measurements.
- Should not be performed on clients who have ear surgery or tympanic membrane.
- Requires wrapping disposable probe.
- Cerumen impaction and otitis media can interfere with temperature measurements.
- The accuracy of the measurements in newborns and children under 3 years old are still in doubt.
2. Rectal
Advantages:
- Proved to be more reliable if the oral temperature can not be obtained
- Shows the core temperature.
- Should not be performed on clients who have rectal surgery, rectal disorder, pain in the rectal area, or tend to hemorrhage.
- Requires a change in position and can be a source of embarrassment and anxiety.
- Risk of exposure to body fluids.
- Require lubrication.
- Contradicted in newborns.
3. Oral
Advantages:
- Easily accessible and do not require a change in position.
- Convenient for the client.
- Give an accurate surface temperature readings.
- Should not be done at the client who breathe through the mouth.
- Should not be performed on clients who have oral surgery, oral trauma, a history of epilepsy, or trembling from the cold.
- Should not be carried out on infants, small children, children who are crying or client confusion, unconsciousness or uncooperative.
- The risk of exposure to body fluids.
4. Axilla
Advantages:
- Safe and non-invasive.
- The preferred way in newborns and clients are uncooperative.
- Long measurement time.
- Require nurses to help maintain the position of the client.
