Keywords

tympanic temperature, axillary temperature, rectal temperature, infant, nursing

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between three instruments used in measuring tympanic, axillary, and rectal temperatures in infants less than 1 year of age. Temperatures were measured by Oto-temp Pedi Q tympanic thermometers, Becton Dickinson axillary thermometer, and rectal thermometers. A convience sample of 5 infants less than 90 day and 54 greater than 90 days with fever, as well as 34 infants less than 90 days and 27 infants greater than 90 days without fever were studied. Correlations of infants less than 90 days and greater 90 days of age, as well as differences between infant temperature with and without fevers as variables, were examined. Results indicated a strong statistical relationship between Oto-Temp Pedi Q, Becton Dickinson axillary temperatures, and rectal temperatures, but not strong enough to base critical clinical decisions. Age and presence or absence of fever significantly affected the relationships between thermometers.

Original Publication Citation

Wilshaw, R., & Beckstrand, R. L., Waid, D., & Schaalje, G. B. (1999). A comparison of the use of tympanic, axillary, and rectal thermometers in infants. Journal of Pediatric Nursing, 14(2), 88-93.

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

1999-4

Permanent URL

http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/8027

Publisher

Journal of Pediatric Nursing

Language

English

College

Nursing

University Standing at Time of Publication

Full Professor

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