Body temperature is one of the main indicators of human he alth. Its deviation from the norm indicates the presence of the disease. Therefore, it is important to know how to correctly set the thermometer so that its value is the most accurate.
Mercury thermometers
The thermometer is a glass flask with a capillary filled with mercury. Such devices for measuring body temperature appeared the very first and are still considered the most accurate. Their error is only 0.1 degrees. The shelf life of the device is unlimited if it is used carefully and not damaged. It is the most common and affordable.
The disadvantage is the presence of mercury in such a thermometer, which is very dangerous to he alth. Since the thermometer is likely to be damaged due to its fragility, it should not be used for rectal, vaginal and oral temperature measurements. It is important to consider how long to keep a mercury thermometer. It takes an average of 7-10 minutes to get an accurate result.
Some manufacturers produce mercury thermometers with a strongerglass base for mercury and plastic tip. These thermometers are equipped with a special prism that increases the scale, and also have a more compact size.
It is important to know how to properly set a mercury thermometer. Before measuring the temperature, it must be shaken off so that the mercury drops to a mark of at least 35 degrees. In order not to damage the device, you should do it in an open space, preferably on a bed. When shaking, you need to use the hand most of all. The head of the thermometer should rest against the palm, and the mercury reservoir should be directed downwards. In this case, the middle part is located between the thumb and forefinger. For safety reasons, the device should not be handled with wet or slippery hands.
After use, the thermometer should be washed under running water and soap, packed in a case and hidden out of the reach of children. Any damage to the meter should be discarded.
Electronic thermometers
This type of thermometer is affordable and absolutely safe. It is equipped with a touch sensor that reacts to heat and displays the value on the LCD. The thermometer also has a sound signal, which it gives at the end of the procedure. Often such devices make a sound before the set time, so it is necessary to withstand another 1-2 minutes additionally.
Some thermometers have a backlit display that makes it easy to use in the dark. There are models in the formpacifiers for small children, they have the same working principle.
Their disadvantage is the inaccuracy of measurement. It may drop due to low battery. This thermometer must be periodically checked against mercury. An error of 0.1 degree is allowed. It can be influenced by how many minutes the thermometer was set. The device must not be washed under running water and sterilized. After measuring the temperature, the thermometer must be wiped with alcohol and kept out of the reach of children.
Thermo strips, thermal indicators, thermal tests
The thermometers of this type are made in the form of strips or paper cards. They consist of a heat-sensitive film, which contains crystals that change color under the influence of body temperature. The indicator of such a thermometer is divided into two zones: normal and elevated temperature, or has a step of one degree. This device allows you to find out the result in 10-15 seconds, but the value will be approximate.
Dummy thermometer
The thermometer in the form of a pacifier is designed especially for young children. But this device can only be used if the baby's nose breathes well, and in case of illness it is often blocked. The sensor, located on the pacifier, must be in close contact with the baby's tongue for reliable readings. Therefore, the child should be calm, do not cry or play with the device. The thermometer measures the temperature within 2-3 minutes. The result appears on the display after a beep.
Dummy thermometer after each useneed to be washed. To do this, disconnect the nipple from the device with a temperature sensor and boil it for 1-2 minutes. But if the design of the device does not provide for its further disassembly, then this cannot be done. It will be enough after use to wash it with soap in boiled water at room temperature, then dry it and put it in a case.
Infrared thermometers
This type of thermometer is similar in its functions to digital: sound signal, display, measurement memory, backlight. But unlike the first, he is able to measure the temperature in just 1-5 seconds, while not in contact with the human body. If it is used correctly, then the error in the indicators will not exceed 0.1 degrees. The thermometer responds to human infrared radiation, displaying the measurement result on a digital display.
The device does not contain hazardous substances and is completely safe for he alth, so it can be used from birth. But it is important to know how to set the thermometer correctly. To measure the temperature, it is directed to the temple, ear or forehead at a distance of 2-2.5 cm. At values above 38 degrees, the device automatically emits an audible alarm signal. You can also measure the temperature of water and air with a thermometer.
The disadvantages include the high cost and inaccuracy of measurements. Deviations in readings can occur due to contamination of the surface of the sensor, so it is necessary to regularly wipe it with a cloth moistened with alcohol.
Ear thermometer
The device is equipped with a soft tip, which in its shapedoes not allow you to enter it too deep into the ear canal. Using an ear thermometer, you can find out the result in 1-2 seconds. But it is undesirable to use it for inflammation of the middle ear.
It is important to know how to set the thermometer correctly. To insert it well into the ear canal, you need to pull the earlobe back and up. The use of an ear thermometer allows you to get an accurate result faster, since the eardrum is supplied with blood from the same system as the temperature control center in the brain. The result will be known in 2-3 seconds.
This method of measuring temperature is not suitable for children under 6 months old, as the result will be inaccurate due to developmental characteristics at this age. If a person has just come from the street, it is necessary to wait 15 minutes before the procedure so that the body warms up and the result is accurate. Do not use other types of thermometers to measure the temperature in the ear. They can injure the eardrum.
How to take the temperature correctly?
Before using a mercury thermometer, you need to prepare it. To do this, shake the thermometer so that it shows a temperature of at least 35 degrees. You should know how to properly place a thermometer under your arm. The device must not be pressed too hard against the body so as not to break, but also held so that it does not fall out. Its tip should be located in the middle of the armpit and in contact with the body. It is important to know how long to keep a mercury thermometer. On average it is necessaryhold for at least 7-10 minutes to get an accurate result.
It should be taken into account how to properly set the electronic thermometer. For accurate results, the patient must be at rest. In this case, you can stand, lie down or sit, but not walk. It is important to know how long to keep the thermometer under your arm. The electronic device measures the temperature for 3 minutes. But usually the beep may sound too early, so after it the thermometer must be held for another 1-2 minutes. At the end of the procedure, do not abruptly remove the device, as this may affect the measurement result. The error can be a few tenths of a degree.
What is considered normal temperature?
He althy is a person with a body temperature of 36.6 degrees. But sometimes the temperature can change depending on the environment, physical fatigue, and even the time of day. At the same time, the person feels completely he althy. Often, an increase in temperature can be noticed in children, especially during activity. Indicators up to 37 degrees are considered normal. In older people, on the contrary, the temperature may be lowered. This is due to their less activity. Therefore, for an elderly person, a temperature of 36 degrees would be considered normal.
In addition, the indicators may vary depending on the time of day. In a he althy person, the lowest body temperature is in the morning, from 5 to 8 hours, and the highest in the evening, from 16 to 18 hours. Therefore, not always slightly elevatedindicators are signs of the disease. In this case, you should monitor the person's condition during the day.
How many times should body temperature be measured?
The procedure can be performed several times a day. If the disease progresses, then the temperature is measured every hour. With small deviations from the norm, the thermometer is used 3-4 times a day.
Methods for measuring temperature normally can give the following indicators:
- oral - 35, 7-37, 3;
- rectally - 36, 2-37, 7;
- groin crease - 36, 3-36, 9;
- vagina - 36, 7-37, 5;
- axillary (under the armpits) - 35, 2-36, 7.
The most accurate readings can be obtained with rectal and oral temperature measurements. With the axillary method, there may be an error from 0.1 to 0.3 degrees.
Correct setting of the thermometer
To obtain more accurate parameters, you must adhere to the following recommendations:
- The room temperature should be between 18 and 25 degrees. If the indicators are slightly lower, then you must first warm the thermometer in your palms.
- If there is sweat in the armpits, wipe them with a dry towel or napkin. Thus, the device will not cool down during temperature measurement.
- The tip of the thermometer should be in the middle of the armpit. The junction density must be the same throughout the procedure.
- You can not measure the temperature immediately after physical exertion, a hearty lunch, a warm bath, a nervousoverexcitation. You must wait 15 minutes.
- The thermometer must be taken out smoothly so as not to increase the readings by a few tenths of a degree.
- During the procedure, you can not talk, drink, eat or move. It is important to know how long to keep the thermometer under your arm.
- Temperature is measured before taking antipyretic drugs or 30-40 minutes after it.
- It is necessary to periodically wipe the thermometer, which is used by all family members. Any disinfectant is suitable for this, after which you need to wipe the thermometer dry.
How to measure temperature without a thermometer?
If the sick person has a fever, you can touch his forehead with your lips. They are more sensitive than the hands. You can also determine fever by pulse rate. According to medical research, an increase in body temperature by one degree means an increase in heart rate by 10 beats per minute. A high pulse rate indicates a fever in the patient. A pulse of about 80 beats per minute is considered the norm, so an indicator of more than 100 beats will be at a temperature of about 38 degrees.
You can determine the presence of heat by external signs and the well-being of a person. The most pronounced symptoms are body aches, chills, acute thirst, bright yellow urine, and increased sweating. Red spots may appear on the skin, and the eyes become inflamed. You can also detect the presence of temperature by the frequency of breathing. Elevated values in this case will indicate a fever. The norm for children is 20-30, andfor an adult - 15-20 breaths per minute.
What should I do if my mercury thermometer breaks?
This type of thermometer has a dangerous "stuffing". Mercury vapor can cause significant harm to human he alth. You need to know how to behave in order to avoid unwanted consequences.
If a mercury thermometer breaks, then you can't:
- create a draft - this speeds up the evaporation process;
- collect balls of mercury with a vacuum cleaner;
- dispose of a hazardous substance in a trash can or sewer.
Algorithm of actions:
- Before you start cleaning a broken thermometer, you must first protect yourself from mercury fumes. To do this, you need to wear special protection: gloves, a mask.
- Large balls of mercury can be collected with a rubber bulb, and small balls with adhesive tape, adhesive tape. You need to start from the edge, gradually reaching the center.
- Mercury balls should be collected in a bottle with a solution of 30 grams of soda and 40 grams of grated soap per 1 liter of water. The surface with which the substance came into contact must be treated with the same agent. The container must be transferred to the Ministry of Emergency Situations at the place of residence.
What other temperature measurements are available?
There are many ways to get the result. But it is important to know how to properly carry out the procedure, depending on the method chosen.
The temperature is measured rectally lying on the side, knees drawn up to the chest. thermometer tipit is necessary to lubricate with cream or petroleum jelly, and then gently insert it into the anus. How to put a thermometer in a child? In this case, you need to put it on your knees on your tummy, holding it with your hands, and carry out the procedure. The thermometer must be inserted no deeper than 1.5-2 cm. The procedure lasts about 2-3 minutes. Rectal temperature measurement is considered one of the most accurate methods.
In the oral method, it is important to consider how to properly put the thermometer in your mouth. To do this, it must be put under the tongue so that it is in the so-called heat bag. During the procedure, the device must be held with the lips for about 2-3 minutes. For babies, there are thermometers in the form of a pacifier. This method is also considered one of the most accurate.
To measure the temperature in the inguinal fold, it is important to consider how to properly set the thermometer. To do this, you need to slightly bend the leg at the hip joint and place the thermometer there. Elbow bend can also be used.
Why are there different temperatures under different armpits?
The axillary method has earned the greatest popularity due to the greatest hygiene compared to other methods, and not because of the accuracy of the indicators. Therefore, a small error is possible when measuring temperature under different hands (0.1 - 0.3 degrees).
Differences in readings sometimes depend on which hand to put the thermometer under. For a right-hander, the right side is the most involved, and for a left-hander, the opposite is true. It is believed that the performance of the working side can be slightly increased. For moreFor accurate results, the right-hander measures the temperature under the left armpit, and the left-hander - under the left. Exceptions are made if there is damage on the desired side or a boil in the armpit.
And also the difference in temperature under different armpits may indicate a recent transfer of a viral disease, wet armpits, overheating. Don't worry if the values are slightly different. You should immediately go to the hospital if the difference in temperature is 2.0 - 3.0 degrees.
In closing
Body temperature is an important indicator of human he alth. However, it may vary depending on external factors and time of day. There are many methods for measuring temperature. The modern market provides a wide selection of different types of medical thermometers. Each of which has its own disadvantages and advantages. It is important to first study the instructions for using the thermometer of the selected type.
