How to measure body temperature with a rectal thermometer

As we all know, the most common way to measure body temperature is to measure it under the armpit, but in fact, in addition to measuring under the armpit, there are also oral and rectal temperature measurement. The method of measuring body temperature through the rectum is not very common. Generally, if body temperature is measured through the rectum, it is only for patients who are already in a coma. So rectal temperature measurement is not very common. Let’s talk about how to measure body temperature with a rectal thermometer.

There are three ways to measure body temperature: oral, axillary, and anal. An oral temperature measurement of 37 degrees for three minutes is normal, while an axillary temperature measurement of 5-10 minutes shows a temperature of 36.5 degrees is normal. The anal table is inserted 3-4 cm. After measuring the temperature for three minutes, the normal value is 37.5 degrees. Use some lubricant when taking a rectal temperature.

Rectal measurement method: mostly used for comatose patients or children. The patient lies on his back, the rectal gauge head is lubricated with oil, and slowly inserted into the anus until it reaches 1/2 of the rectal gauge. The reading is taken after 3 minutes. The normal value is 36.5~37.7. The normal body temperature of a normal person fluctuates slightly within 24 hours, and generally does not exceed. Under physiological conditions, the body temperature is slightly lower in the morning and slightly higher in the afternoon or after exercise and eating. The body temperature of the elderly is slightly lower, and that of women is slightly higher before menstruation or during pregnancy.

Normal body temperature in childhood can fluctuate within a certain range. The difference between the highest and lowest body temperatures of a normal person in a day gradually increases with age, about 0.25 degrees Celsius at 1 month, about 0.5 degrees Celsius at 6 months, and about 1 degree Celsius after 3 years old.

Guidance: Rectal temperature above 38℃ for 1 to 3 minutes

1. Lie face down on the bed or on an adult's lap.

2. Clean the thermometer with soapy water or alcohol first, and then rinse with cold water (not hot water).

3. Apply a circle of Vaseline about 2 cm above the rectal thermometer.

4. When the anal sphincter is relaxed, slowly insert the thermometer into the anus about 2 cm by gently rotating it.

In fact, measuring body temperature with a rectal thermometer may be less popular because most people measure their body temperature under the armpit or in the mouth. Using a rectal thermometer to measure body temperature means that the patient is already in a coma, but strictly speaking, the value measured by a rectal thermometer is more accurate than that measured by axillary measurement or oral measurement.