Health Notes.
Temperature Taking.

It is essential that every person who is likely to do any home nursing should be able to use a clinical thermometer. It seems that few of us can really escape being “ministering angels,” so it is just as well to know something about the use of the thermometer.

(a) In the case of adults the temperature is usually taken in the mouth.

(b) With children it may be taken under the arm or in the groin, the bulb being held closely to the body.

(c) Some thermometers are marked “½ minute,” others “1 minute.” If there are no markings, the thermometer must be left in position for at least 3 minutes.

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(d) A mouth temperature should not be taken within 10 minutes of the time that the patient has had anything in the mouth.

(e) The first temperature should be taken before the early morning drink is given and the evening one before the bedtime sponge.

After taking a temperature, read the thermometer, and make a note of it. The instrument should then be washed with cold water and dried. When the temperature is being taken frequently, or in infections cases the thermometer should be left standing in a glass containing a weak solution of disinfectant.

A small piece of cotton-wool should be placed in the bottom of the glass. Stand the glass on a small plate and have a piece of dry cotton-wool to wipe the thermometer before using it again.

Always make a note of the temperature, and the time it was taken. Never rely on your memory.