Be sure that you know how to operate the electric thermometer before using it to take a patient’s temperature.

Information on how to operate the electric thermometer can usually be found in an operator’s manual kept on the unit or found in the unit’s SOP. Different types of electric thermometers have different operating procedures.

The steps given below are general in nature. Before using an unfamiliar electric thermometer, be sure to read the instructions pertaining to that thermometer.

a. Wash Hands.

Perform a patient care hand wash.

b. Gather Materials.

You will need the following items:

(1) Electric thermometer with oral (blue) color-coded temperature probe.

(2) Probe covers (usually found with electric thermometer).

(3) Watch or clock (with second hand, if possible).

(4) Pencil or pen.

(5) Something on which to write (usually a form or sheet of paper).

(6) An electrical outlet, unless the electric thermometer is battery-powered.

c. Verify That the Oral Route Should Be Used.

Any situation that would prevent you from taking a patient’s oral temperature with a glass thermometer will also prevent you from taking his oral temperature with an electric thermometer.

d. Verify Patient’s Identity.

Make sure that you are taking the temperature of the patient properly by checking the patient’s identification bracelet and bed card and/or asking the patient his name.

e. Prepare Thermometer.

Make sure that the electric thermometer is working and ready to use. Several electric thermometers indicate that they are ready for use by displaying an initial temperature reading, such as displaying a reading of 94.0o F, when the probe is removed from its resting place. If such a thermometer does not show a display, check the electrical outlet or batteries, as applicable.

f. Cover Probe.

Insert the oral probe into a probe cover. The exact procedure used will depend upon the operating instructions for the thermometer you are using. Normally, you will insert to probe into a box containing probe covers. The innermost cover will automatically attach to the probe. You should not allow the probe cover to touch anything before the probe is inserted into the patient’s mouth.

g. Tell Patient About Procedure.

Tell the patient that you are going to take his temperature and give additional instructions as needed.

h. Position the Probe.

Place the heat sensing part of the probe so that it is lying on top of one of the heat pockets. The procedures are basically the same as for taking an oral temperature with a glass thermometer.

(1) Tell the patient to open his mouth and lift his tongue.

(2) Place the end of the probe over one of the heat pocket.

(3) Tell the patient to relax his tongue and close his lips (not his teeth) over the probe.

(4) Do not let go of the probe. Keep holding the probe in place with your thumb and finger(s).

i. Wait for Signal.

Continue holding the probe in place in the patient’s mouth until the electric thermometer gives the signal that the patient’s temperature has been determined.

(1) Hold the probe so that it is steady (not moving) and is in constant contact with the tissue of the heat pocket.

(2) The signal that the patient’s temperature has been determined is usually a red light that lights upon the main body of the electric thermometer.

(3) The time required for the temperature to be determined depends upon the thermometer, but is usually less than 60 seconds.

j. Remove Probe.

When the machine signals that the patient’s temperature has been determined, ask the patient to open his mouth. When the patient releases his hold upon the probe, remove the probe from his mouth.

k. Read and Record Temperature.

Read the patient’s temperature from the display on the main body of the thermometer and record the reading. If the display is not a digital readout, record the temperature to the nearest two-tenths of a degree Fahrenheit (0.2º F) or to the nearest tenth of a degree Celsius (0.1º C), as appropriate.

l. Discard Probe Cover.

The probe cover is used only once. After you have recorded the temperature, discard the cover into a container (patient’s waste basket, etc.). Some electric thermometer are designed so that the probe cover is ejected from the probe when you hold the probe collar between your index and middle fingers, point the probe downward, and press on top of the probe with your thumb.

m. Return Probe to Its Resting Place.

In some electric thermometers, returning the probe to its resting place automatically turns off the thermometer and resets the thermometer so that it is ready for the next use.

h. Wash Hands.

Perform another patient care hand wash.