How long underarm thermometer

Do this with care to get a correct reading. That's especially the case for babies younger than 3 months old. This keeps the thermometer in place and gives an accurate reading. Normal axillary temperature is about An axillary temperature is often 1 degree lower than oral or rectal temperatures. So it can help you gauge whether your child may have a fever. But it's not the most reliable at any age. Before putting the thermometer away, clean it with soap and warm water.

It is not recommended for children younger than 5 years of age, because it is hard for them to hold the thermometer under their tongue long enough. The ear method is recommended for children older than 2 years old. The rectal method can be used to check for fevers in newborns and young children. Use a rectal thermometer only if you are comfortable doing so and a health care provider has shown you how to do it safely.

For more detailed instructions on how to take a temperature using the rectal method, speak to your health care provider. After a thermometer has been used to take a rectal temperature, do not use it to take an oral temperature. Make sure that the rectal thermometer is clearly marked so that it is not used orally. The armpit method is less accurate and is normally only used if the person is extremely drowsy or not clear mentally. Temperatures may vary throughout the day, rising as much as 1 degree in the morning and reaching a maximum during the late afternoon.

Mild increases may be caused by exercising, too much clothing or bedding, taking a hot bath or being outside in hot weather. A fever is part of the normal process of fighting an infection. Another way is on the back with the legs pulled up to the chest.

Put some petroleum jelly on the end of the thermometer and the anus. Slide the thermometer gently into the anus no more than 1 inch. That means until you can no longer see the silver tip. Be gentle. There should not be any resistance. If there is, stop. Hold your child still. Leave a digital thermometer in until it beeps about 10 seconds.

Your child has a fever if the rectal temp is above Warning: do not take rectal temperatures in young children with leukemia or other cancers. Also avoid in other children with weak immune systems such as organ transplant, HIV or sickle cell disease. Make sure the armpit is dry. Close the armpit by holding the elbow against the chest. Do this until it beeps about 10 seconds. The tip of the thermometer must stay covered by skin. Your child has a fever if the armpit temp is above If you have any doubt, take your child's temp by rectum or forehead.

Oral Temperature: How to Take Age: 4 years and older If your child had a cold or hot drink, wait 30 minutes. Put the thermometer under one side of the tongue towards the back. A dark line runs along the numbers to show the temperature. The tip of an oral or axillary glass mercury thermometer is long and narrow. The tip of a rectal glass mercury thermometer is short and round. The space that is not taken by the dark mercury line is usually clear.

If needed, shake the glass thermometer down. Grasp it firmly at the end opposite the tip and flick your wrist sharply. Take care to be away from people and objects before shaking Picture 9. However, you may not need to call a doctor every time your child has a fever. If you call, be sure to state which method you used to take the temperature.