Ci399 project

Measurement and Assessment of Body Temperatures

Day 1:

Explain different types of thermometers: glass, tympanic, electronic, disposable, test tape

Show markings on a glass thermometer- Fahrenheit and Centigrade

Explain how to read a glass thermometer

• the center of a glass thermometer contains mercury which rises in the thermometer in

- a glass thermometer is essentially a triangle

- the painted side is held away from you as though it is a wall

• see the level of mercury on the edge where the other two sides meet
• read the temperature by slightly tilting the thermometer to see what number and line the mercury ends at

Explain how to use a glass oral thermometer

• remove thermometer form solution and wipe it dry
• shake the mercury down to the bulb by snapping your wrist while holding the opposite end of the thermometer
• place a thermometer sheath over the thermometer
• have person open their mouth and place the covered thermometer in their mouth, under their tongue to one side of the phrenulum
• have person close their mouth and wait 2-3 minutes
• remove thermometer, remove sheath and read the person's temperature
• document the temperature reading

Explain how to use a tympanic thermometer

• remove the thermometer from it’s case and place a cover over the probe
• the pinnea (ear) must be pulled back gently in order to straighten the ear canal so that the infrared sensor can visualize the ear drum and read the person's temperature
• place the tympanic probe into the ear canal, press and hold the sensor button down for ten seconds
• remove the probe from the ear and note the temperature reading
• remove the probe cover and return the thermometer to it’s case
• document the temperature reading

Explain normal temperatures and normal temperature ranges

Day 2:

Read textbook chapter on Measuring Vital Signs

Show videos: "Measuring Vital Signs: Temperature, Pulse, Respiration and Blood Pressure" and "Using the Thermoscan Tympanic Thermometer"

Complete worksheet on Temperatures.

Day 3:

Demonstrate the use of the various thermometers: glass, tympanic and electronic

What differences do you expect in results?

What would be the cause of the variances between temperatures taken on the same patient with different types of thermometers?

Have the students practice taking oral and tympanic temperatures

Day 4:

Have the students take and record temperatures as follows:

3 patients- oral temperatures with glass thermometers

2 of those same patients using 2 different tympanic thermometers

1 of those same patients using an electronic thermometer

record temperatures on a graphic sheet and on a vital signs flow sheet

Day 5:

Have students enter their data on a spreadsheet and do the following comparisons:

Compare the results when using different equipment

Compare the results to the average normal temperatures

Complete written test

Sample Student Work:

Goal 7A: Measure and compare quantities using appropriate units, instruments and methods. Measure body temperatures and compare the readings to the normal temperature ranges using Fahrenheit and Centigrade scales, glass and tympanic thermometers.

Goal 7C: Select and use appropriate technology, instruments and formulas to solve problems, interpret results and communicate findings. Enter data on a spreadsheet and compare the results when using different equipment. Compare the results to the average normal temperatures.

Goal 8B: Interpret and describe numerical relationships using tables, graphs and symbols.

Goal 10A: Organize, describe and make predictions from existing data. Compare the results to the average normal temperature ranges. Construct a graph to organize the data within the normal temperature range scale.