Body Temperature – Glass Oral Temperature

Nursing Procedure:

1. Select correct color tip of thermometer from patient’s bedside container
2. Remove thermometer from storage container and cleanse under cool water
3. Wipe thermometer dry with a tissue from bulb’s end toward fingertips.
4. Read thermometer by locating mercury level. It should read 35.5°C (96°F).
5. If thermometer is not below a normal body temperature reading, grasp thermometer with
6. thumb and forefinger and shake vigorously by snapping the wrist in a downward motion to move mercury to a level below normal.
7. Place thermometer in mouth under the tongue and along the gumline to the posterior sublingual pocket. Instruct client to hold lips closed.
8. Leave in place as specified by agency policy, usually 3–5 minutes.
9. Remove thermometer and wipe with a tissue away from fingers toward the bulb’s end.
10. Read at eye level and rotate slowly until mercury level is visualized.
11. Shake thermometer down, and cleanse glass thermometer with soapy water, rinse under cold water, and return to storage container.
12. Remove and dispose of gloves in receptacle,
13. Wash hands.
14. Record reading and indicate site as “OT.”