How to take a rectal Temperature

Every care provider will agree that a rectal measurement causes the most psychological and physical discomfort.

The Prime Rule: A Rectal Thermometer Must be Well-Lubricated and Inserted Correctly! The care provider should pre-inspect the insertion site of the thermometer, then well lubricate the rectal thermometer with either a Vaseline or KY-Jelly before insertion. After the insertion, the care provider must maintain position (90 degrees from the plane of the recipient rectum) of the stem of the thermometer and keep the recipient under control until the thermometer is fully withdrawn. Place the thermometer recipient over your lap with an uncovered bottom, preferably with the care provider wearing shorts so there is direct skin-to-skin contact between the care provider legs and the recipient on tummy and hips to reassure the him/her (this reassurance is amplified by the touch of the care provider fingers and palm on the his bottom as she holds the thermometer secure between her third and fourth fingers. Don't let the recipient see the thermometer unless it's unavoidable. If possible, place the him/her in position for the measurement before the massage is given. Talk to the recipient in soft, soothing tones as you massage him/her limbs, back and bottom. In every case, the rectal thermometer recipient should be calmed before the temperature is taken. The more skin-to skin contact there is immediately before the temp is taken the better. Keep the thermometer inserted in the rectum for five minuets.

The rule for an infant is to do these steps and I saw them from a book.

Step one: lay the infant on your lap on its tummy.

Step two: Unfasten the diaper to expose the rear end.

Step three: Lubricant the bulb either with a jelly or with vaseline.

Step four: Hold the thermometer in your hand that is comfortable to you.

Step five: Take your other hand a separate the cheeks where you can see the rectum.

Step six: Slowly insert the the silver bulb easy into the rectum about one to an inch and a halp and hold for 5 minuts. Use the other hand and place it on the lower part of the back to keep the infant still. After 5 minutes, remove the thermometer and hold it to the light for the reading of results.

Any adult who needs instructions on how to take a rectal temperature SHOULD NOT be doing them.

The above instructions didn't even say to shake down the mercury column.

This isn't rocket science. It's like "How To Enter You Car"

1. take out your keys.

2. put the key in the lock

3A. turn the key

3B. if it's an electronic key, push the button

4. Pull the door handle

5. Open the door

6. Sit down on the seat

7. close the door

8. etc, etc, etc.

If you can't figure that out, you should not be driving either.

I'm going to assume that everyone on this forum would be aware of the procedure. Most is common sense. If you've been on the receiving end of a rectal temp., then you learned everything you need to know.