How do you take an 11 year-old's temperature rectally?

Answer 1

When taking a child's temperature rectally, it mostly done with infants or children who cannot sit still long enough with a glass thermometer in their mouth. Taking a rectal temperature on a child older than 2 or 3 years of age is mostly considered inappropriate. Advances in temperature monitoring have made glass thermometers in general, and rectal thermometers specifically, obsolete. Most electronic thermometers, which read the surface temperature of the ear drum or the skin of the forehead, can provide an accurate reading of the internal temperature of the body, without subjecting a child to the dangers of having a fragile glass thermometer filled with Mercury (which is highly toxic), inserted into their rectum. If the rectal thermometer is the only means you have to take a child's temperature, use the following guidelines: 1. Have the child lie prone on a bed. 2. Take the rectal thermometer from its protective case, and inspect it closely for any chips, cracks or breakage. If your thermometer displays any imperfection at all, discard and do not use. (Some states have strict guidelines on the disposal of mercury containing thermometers, so be sure to check with your local pharmacy on how to properly dispose of thermometers.) 3. Holding the thermometer firmly at the top (not the mercury bulb end), briskly shake down the mercury so it reads a low temperature. 4. Lubricate the first 1.5 inches of the bulb end of the thermometer with petrolatum or a water soluble lubricant. 5. Using the thumb and forefinger of the opposite hand, part the child's buttocks and gently insert the bulb end of the thermometer into the anus, to a depth of no more than 1 inch. Instruct the child to be quiet, hold still as you wait the three minutes to take a reading. DO NOT EVER let go of the thermometer! 6. After three minutes, gently remove the thermometer slowly, and raise it to the level of your eyes to take the reading. Do not shake the thermometer until you have read it. 7. Give the child a tissue or piece of toilet paper to clean up any residual lubricant from the anus. 8. Wipe the thermometer with tissue, and then wash in lukewarm water with soap and rinse well before storing it back into it's protective case.

Answer 2

Depends on the age of the child.

I have boys ages 9-12. If a rectal temp is needed, I place a towel on a bed. Have them lower their pants or take them off. Have them lay face down on the towel.

In preparing the rectal thermometer, shake it down and smear some vaseline on the first 2 inches of the thermometer. When ready, gently separate their buttocks and gently insert the thermometer slowly. Leave in for a few minutes, then take out. Wipe the thermometer with tissue before reading.

Lisa

Answer 3

There are thermometers that are specially made for taking rectal temps. Just in case you weren't aware of that.

Don't know if there are "rules" to taking a temp. rectally or not but the general instructions would to take into consideration the age of your patient. If a child, lay them on their tummy on your lap and smear the end of the thermometer with some vaseline. Insert the thermometer gently into the anal opening, just the tip of the thermometer need be inserted. Leave in for 3 mins. Upon extracting the thermometer, read it and be sure to subtract a degree from the temp reading.

Air can't get to the thermometer while inside the body so it will read approx a degree above what the actual reading is.

Answer 4

No special name, you just use a rectal thermometer. Kindly watch your language if you wish to stay.