TAKING SOMEONE'S TEMPERATURE
The
average normal body temperature is 98.6°F (37°C). A rectal temperature up
to 100.4°F (38°C) may be entirely normal. Fever is not an illness, it is
an important part of the body's defense against infection. While a fever
signals to us that a battle might be going on in the body, the fever is fighting
for the person, not against. In addition, a fever activates the
body's immune system to make more white blood cells, antibodies, and other
infection-fighting agents. Although infections are the most common causes of
elevated body temperature, fevers have a long list of other causes, including
toxins, cancers, and autoimmune diseases.
If sick, take temperature every 4 hours. If fever take Tylenol (CONSULT PACKAGING FOR DOSING INFO) - or Motrin. If difficult to swallow, medication can be crushed (placed in baggie and hammered with some tool) and placed in applesauce or other food.
For digital ear thermometer, press firmly, directly in the ear canal, adults pull top of ear up, for kids down, then press button, hold until AFTER beep. Do both ears and average (example - 99.2 and 99.6 average to 99.4). If new covers not available save plastic covers, clean with soap and water, store with person's name on container. If necessary, a piece of Saran Wrap or plastic baggie can be used if no covers are available. Generally, you should add one degree to a temperature taken by ear. Rectal temp is most accurate. Temperatures 104 or greater, consider putting ice packs (simple ice pack - use firmly tied plastic baggie) in armpits, scrotal area, and cool cloths to forehead. MONITOR CAREFULLY WHEN TEMPERATURE IS 104 OR GREATER - SEEK MEDICAL ASSISTANCE.
If
a thermometer cannot be safely placed in a child's mouth, take a rectal temp - rectal is blue
colored. Wear gloves if available. Rectal temperatures run higher than
those taken in the mouth because the rectum is warmer. The normal rectal
temperature of a child is 99.6 degrees F (37.5 degrees C), in the mouth it is
98.6 degrees F (37.0 degrees C). Gently push just the round end of the
thermometer into the anus, not more than 2/3 in. Hold the thermometer firmly in
place and wait THREE minutes. It may be easier if your child is on his side or
stomach instead of the back - talk to the child. Wash it well with soap and warm water after each use. A mouth thermometer
can be placed in child's armpit for three minutes - add at least one degree.
Administering medicine to children: A spoonful of sugar (sugar cubes can soak up
liquid motrin/tylenol) helps the medicine go down. Crushed medication can be
placed inside yogart, ice cream that has melted a little, or a gooey PIECE of
donut.