Part of Lesson Plan: Vital Signs

Activity Overview / Details

Ask students-What are all the different places on the body you can measure temperature using a thermometer. As students give different routes list them on the white board along with the correct medical term. 

Oral - mouth (under tongue)

• normal range: 96.0F -  100.0F
• most common for adults and older children
• thermometer is placed under tongue
• if patient has recently had anything to eat or drink , need to wait 10 - 20 minutes
• patient must keep mouth closed entire time
• should not be used on a patient who is having difficulty breathing

Axillary - armpit

• least accurate way to measure temperature
• usually is one degree less than a person's oral temperature

          Example: If oral is 98.6F,  axillary will be 97.6F

Rectal - rectum

• measures core body temperature
• most accurate way to measure temperature
• usually is one degree higher than a person's oral temperature

         Example: If oral is 98.6F,  rectal will be 99.6F 

Tympanic - ear                                                                                                                           

• also called aural
• quickest way to take temperature

Ask students: How would the following situations effect an individual's body temperature?

Activity?

Infections?

Certain drugs such as stimulants or depressants?

Discuss other factors that can cause a temperature to vary.