Pediatric Thermometers
Pediatric Thermometry
Temperature Regulation Physiology
- Normal Temperature Ranges:
- Axillary: 36.5°C - 37.5°C (97.7°F - 99.5°F)
- Oral: 36.8°C - 37.8°C (98.2°F - 100.0°F)
- Rectal: 37.0°C - 38.0°C (98.6°F - 100.4°F)
- Tympanic: 36.8°C - 37.9°C (98.2°F - 100.2°F)
- Temporal: 36.6°C - 37.8°C (97.9°F - 100.0°F)
- Physiological Variations:
- Diurnal temperature fluctuations (0.5°C variation)
- Age-related variations
- Neonates: Higher baseline temperatures
- Infants: Greater temperature variability
- Adolescents: Adult-like patterns
- Activity-induced changes
- Environmental impact factors
Fever Classification
- Low-grade fever: 38.0°C - 38.5°C (100.4°F - 101.3°F)
- Moderate fever: 38.5°C - 39.5°C (101.3°F - 103.1°F)
- High fever: 39.5°C - 41.5°C (103.1°F - 106.7°F)
- Hyperpyrexia: >41.5°C (>106.7°F)
- Clinical Significance:
- Age-specific risk assessment
- Associated symptoms evaluation
- Intervention thresholds
- Emergency indicators
Thermometer Types and Technologies
Digital Electronic Thermometers
- Technical Specifications:
- Accuracy: ±0.1°C (±0.2°F)
- Response time: 10-60 seconds
- Memory function capabilities
- Battery life considerations
- Clinical Applications:
- Oral measurements (>4 years)
- Axillary measurements (all ages)
- Rectal measurements (preferred in infants)
- Advantages & Limitations
Infrared Thermometers
- Tympanic Thermometers:
- Measurement principle
- Infrared radiation detection
- Tympanic membrane targeting
- Algorithm-based conversion
- Technical specifications
- Accuracy: ±0.2°C (±0.4°F)
- Response time: 1-2 seconds
- Calibration requirements
- Measurement principle
- Temporal Artery Thermometers:
- Technology overview
- Arterial heat balance method
- Multiple measurement points
- Environmental compensation
- Performance characteristics
- Accuracy: ±0.1°C (±0.2°F)
- Scanning technique importance
- Environmental considerations
- Technology overview
Chemical/Electronic Strip Thermometers
- Technical Aspects:
- Liquid crystal technology
- Temperature range coverage
- Response characteristics
- Accuracy limitations
Clinical Applications and Decision Making
Age-Specific Recommendations
- Neonates (0-28 days):
- Recommended method: Electronic rectal
- Alternative: Axillary electronic
- Frequency: Every 4 hours in fever
- Emergency thresholds: ≥38.0°C rectal
- Infants (1-12 months):
- Primary method: Electronic rectal
- Alternatives: Temporal/axillary
- Monitoring frequency guidelines
- Risk assessment criteria
- Toddlers/Preschoolers (1-4 years):
- Preferred methods: Tympanic/temporal
- Alternative options
- Cooperation strategies
- Accuracy considerations
- School-age (>4 years):
- Oral digital options
- Alternative methods
- Patient preference consideration
- Accuracy validation
Clinical Decision Support
- Emergency Department Protocols:
- Rapid assessment methods
- Device selection criteria
- Documentation requirements
- Follow-up protocols
- Inpatient Monitoring:
- Frequency guidelines
- Method consistency
- Trend documentation
- Intervention triggers
Measurement Techniques and Best Practices
Site-Specific Procedures
- Rectal Temperature:
- Patient positioning
- Supine position with knees flexed
- Lateral position alternative
- Infant securing techniques
- Insertion technique
- Lubrication requirements
- Depth guidelines (1-2 cm)
- Angular positioning
- Safety considerations
- Patient positioning
- Oral Temperature:
- Proper placement
- Posterior sublingual pocket
- Tongue positioning
- Mouth closure importance
- Timing considerations
- Post-fluid/food restrictions
- Measurement duration
- Repeat measurement protocols
- Proper placement
Special Considerations and Quality Assurance
Quality Control Procedures
- Device Maintenance:
- Calibration schedules
- Battery checks
- Cleaning protocols
- Storage requirements
- Documentation Requirements:
- Temperature value
- Measurement site
- Device type
- Time of measurement
- Associated symptoms
Special Population Considerations
- Immunocompromised Patients:
- Device selection criteria
- Infection prevention measures
- Monitoring frequency
- Intervention thresholds
- Post-operative Monitoring:
- Site selection based on surgery
- Frequency guidelines
- Infection indicators
- Documentation requirements
