1. Gather Supplies: Thermometer; probe covers for oral, rectal, axillary, or tympanic thermometer. See Figure 7.16[1] at the end of this checklist for an image of various types of thermometers.
  2. Routine Pre-Procedure Steps:
    • Knock on the client’s door.
    • Perform hand hygiene.
    • Introduce yourself and identify the resident.
    • Maintain respectful, courteous, and professional communication at all times.
    • Provide for privacy.
    • Explain the procedure to the client.
  3. Procedure Steps:
    • Oral temperature
    • Remove the probe from the device.
    • Slide a probe cover (from the attached box) onto the oral thermometer without touching the probe cover with your hands.
    • Place the thermometer under the client’s tongue at either side of the base of the tongue.
    • Instruct the person to keep their mouth closed.
    • Leave the thermometer in place for as long as is indicated by the device manufacturer, usually indicated by a beep.
    • Read the digital display of the results.
    • Discard the probe cover in the garbage without touching the cover.
    • Place the probe back into the device.
  4. Tympanic temperature
    • Remove the tympanic thermometer from its holder.
    • Place a probe cover on the thermometer tip without touching the probe cover with your hands.
    • Ask the client to keep their head still.
    • For an adult or older child, gently pull the outer ear up and back to visualize the ear canal.
    • For an infant or child under age 3, gently pull the outer ear down.
    • Insert the probe just inside the ear canal.
    • Do not force the thermometer into the ear.
    • Hold the device in place until it beeps (within a few seconds after the temperature is measured).
    • Read the results displayed.
    • Discard the probe cover in the garbage without touching the cover.
    • Place the device back into the holder.
  5. Axillary temperature
    • Remove the probe from the device.
    • Place a probe cover (from the attached box) on the thermometer without touching the cover with your hands.
    • Ask the client to raise their arm or gently raise their arm for them.
    • With the probe facing towards the back of the resident, place the thermometer probe in the armpit on bare skin as high up into the axilla as possible.
    • Ask the patient to lower their arm or gently lower it for them.
    • Leave the device in place until it beeps, usually about 10–20 seconds.
    • Read the displayed results.
    • Discard the probe cover in the garbage without touching the cover.
    • Place the probe back into the device.
  6. Rectal temperature (Use the red probe)
    • Put on gloves.
  7. Position the patient:
    • For infants, place them in a supine position and raise their legs upwards toward their chest.
    • For older children and adults, assist them into a side lying position and explain the procedure.
    • Remove the probe from the device.
    • Place a probe cover (from the attached box) on the thermometer.
    • Lubricate the cover with a water-based lubricant.
    • Gently insert the probe 2–3 cm or less inside the anus, depending on the patient’s size.
    • Remove the probe when the device beeps.
    • Read the result.
    • Discard the probe cover in the trash can without touching it.
    • Cleanse the device as indicated by agency policy.
    • Remove gloves, turning them inside out and discard.
    • Perform hand hygiene.
  8. Temporal temperature
    • Remove eyeglasses from the client if they are worn.
    • Place the sensor on their forehead, ensuring good skin contact.
    • Slowly slide the thermometer across the forehead to the ear, maintaining contact with the skin at all times.
    • Stop when the sensor reaches the hairline and read the displayed result.
  9. Post-Procedure Steps:
    • Check for resident comfort and ask if anything else is needed.
    • Ensure the bed is low and locked. Check the brakes.
    • Place the call light or signaling device within reach of the resident.
    • Open the door and privacy curtain.
    • Perform hand hygiene.
    • Document temperature and report abnormal findings to the nurse.
Photo showing four different types of thermometers
Figure 7.16 Thermometers

View a YouTube video[2] of an instructor demonstration of obtaining a temperature:

View a YouTube video[3] of an instructor demonstration of obtaining a rectal temperature:

 

  1. "Thermometers" by Landon Cerny is licensed under CC BY 4.0 ↵
  2. Chippewa Valley Technical College. (2022, December 3). Obtaining a Temperature. [Video]. YouTube. Video licensed under CC BY 4.0. https://youtu.be/rZftX0z6aKo ↵
  3. Chippewa Valley Technical College. (2023, January 5). Rectal Temperature. [Video]. YouTube. Video licensed under CC BY 4.0. https://youtu.be/LKg2OS2D3rQ ↵

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