What is the most commonly used route for measuring the body temperature in infant?
The measurement of body temperature can help detect illness. It can also monitor whether or not treatment is working. A high temperature is a fever. A thermometer is a useful aid used to measure body temperature. A thermometer is usually filled with mercury. Mercury in the tube rises when expanded by an increase in body temperature. The American Academy of
Pediatrics (AAP) recommends not to use glass thermometers with mercury. The glass can break, and mercury is a poison. Electronic thermometers are most often suggested. An easy-to-read panel shows the temperature. The probe can be placed in the mouth, rectum, or armpit. Plastic strip thermometers change color to show the temperature. This method is the least accurate. Electronic ear thermometers are common. They are easy to use. However, some users report that the results are
less accurate than with probe thermometers. Electronic forehead thermometers are more accurate than ear thermometers and their accuracy is similar to probe thermometers. Always clean the thermometer before and after using. You can use cool, soapy water or rubbing alcohol. Wait at least 1 hour after heavy exercise or a hot bath before measuring body temperature. Wait for 20 to 30
minutes after smoking, eating, or drinking a hot or cold liquid. The average normal body temperature is 98.6°F (37°C). The normal temperature can vary due to things such as: You need to have an accurate temperature measurement to determine if a fever is present. Be sure to tell your health care provider which type of temperature measurement you used when discussing a fever. The exact relationship between different types of temperature measurement is unclear. However, the following general guidelines for temperature results are used: The average normal oral temperature is 98.6°F (37°C).
Other factors to take into account are:
What Abnormal Results MeanIf the reading on the thermometer is more than 1 to 1.5 degrees above your normal temperature, you have a fever. Fevers may be a sign of:
Body temperature can also be raised by:
Body temperature that is too high or too low can be serious. Contact your provider if this is the case. Related topics include:
ReferencesMcGrath JL, Bachmann DJ. Vital signs measurement. In: Roberts JR, Custalow CB, Thomsen TW, eds. Roberts and Hedges' Clinical Procedures in Emergency Medicine and Acute Care. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 1. Sajadi MM, Romanovsky AA. Temperature regulation and the pathogenesis of fever. In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 55. Ward MA, Hannemann NL. Fever: pathogenesis and treatment. In: Cherry JD, Harrison GJ, Kaplan SL, Steinbach WJ, Hotez PJ, eds. Feigin and Cherry's Textbook of Pediatric Infectious Diseases. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 4. Version InfoLast reviewed on: 1/29/2022 Reviewed by: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. Which method is best for measuring the temperature of an infant?For best results in babies and toddlers up to 3 years of age, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends taking the temperature rectally, by placing a thermometer in the baby's anus. This method is accurate and gives a quick reading of the baby's internal temperature.
Which are the preferred routes for measuring the temperature of newborns and infants?Taking a rectal temperature gives the most accurate reading of body temperature in infants and young children. However, if the thought of doing this makes you squeamish, taking an axillary temperature is the next best choice.
What is the most commonly used route for measuring the body temperature?In general, rectal temperatures are considered to be more accurate when checking for fever in a young child. Plastic strip thermometers measure skin temperature, not body temperature.
What is the best method to measure temperature in 3 months infant?Age 3 months to 1 year old.
Rectal or forehead temps are accurate. An ear thermometer can be used after 6 months old. An armpit temp is good for screening if it is taken right. Digital (electronic) thermometers are easily found in stores.
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