Fever It is a common symptom that occurs in various diseases such as infections, flu, colds, due to the presence of viruses, among others, so the thermometer is an indispensable object that should always be present in our medical kit. Although for many years the mercury thermometer was the most common option in homes, today the digital ones They are used very frequently to detect the temperature more quickly, however it is important to use it correctly to guarantee a good measurement. Do you want to know how to use it? In this oneHOWTO article we explain how to use a digital thermometer easily.
Steps to follow:
1
The digital thermometer It is the perfect tool to quickly and safely determine if there is a fever. This device can be used in three areas of the body, depending on the area you choose to check for fever, the final result may change, indicating if the temperature is higher than usual.
You can measure fever with the digital thermometer by applying it to:
- The rectum, it is considered that there is fever when it marks 37.6 ºC onwards. It is recommended to place the thermometer in this area in infants or children under 6 years of age.
- The mouth, there is a fever when it rises above 37.3 ºC. This measurement is appropriate for adolescents and adults.
- The armpit, fever occurs from a temperature of 37.2 ºC. It is recommended for children over 6 years old.
2
Before use digital thermometer It is very important to take some precautions to ensure that we obtain the most accurate temperature possible:
- Make sure that the thermometer is in good condition and that it is not broken, otherwise the result will not be reliable.
- Clean the thermometer bulb with rubbing alcohol before and after use.
- Turn on the thermometer and make sure there is no measurement on the screen, which should be at 0.
- Always monitor the temperature measurement by holding the thermometer, especially if it is done through the rectum or the mouth.
3
The next step is to choose the area of the body where you will place the thermometer, depending on the place there are some precautions that it is important to take.
If you decide use digital thermometer on rectal area It is recommended to apply a little Vaseline on the bulb to introduce it easily. Lay the child on your lap or on the bed face down, ask him to relax and carefully insert the thermometer 2 centimeters if it is a child, 3 centimeters if it is an adult. Hold the thermometer while taking the measurement, once the beep has sounded indicating that the temperature has been taken, remove the device.
It is important that in the case of children we always try to calm them to make this procedure a quick and uncomplicated experience.
4
In the event that you are going to measure the temperature by inserting the thermometer in the mouthIt is important to make sure that there is no candy or gum in the area, it is also recommended to carry out this procedure at least 30 minutes after eating and consuming any drink.
Ask the person to lift their tongue, insert the thermometer, and tell them to close their mouth as they would normally, without clenching their teeth or lips. Hold the thermometer lightly to facilitate the process and wait for the signal from the device to remove it.
5
When the measurement is performed in the armpit it is important that the person is shirtless. The thermometer is placed under the armpit and the person is asked to bend the arm and rest it on the chest to hold the thermometer, it is withdrawn when the beep indicates it.
It is important to avoid taking the temperature when you have just taken a bath or when the person has been warm for a long time, as this could alter the result.
6
If the temperature is 40 degree centigrade or superiorr, or if the fever has not decreased after 48 hours, it is important to see a doctor urgently.
This article is merely informative, at oneHOWTO we do not have the power to prescribe any medical treatment or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
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