Assessment: Body Temperature – Axillary Temperature

Nursing Procedures:

1. Remove patient's arm and shoulder from one sleeve of gown but avoid expose chest
2. Make sure that the axillary skin is dry or pat if necessary
3. Remove thermometer from storage container and cleanse under cool water
4. Wipe thermometer dry with a tissue from bulb's end toward fingertips
5. Place thermometer or probe into center of axilla, fold patient's upper arm straight down and place the arm across patient's chest, see the picture
6. Leave the glass thermometer in place as specified by agency policy that usually 6-8 minutes, or leave the electronic thermometer in place until signal (beep) is heard
7. Remove the thermometer and read the result the inform it to patient
8. Remove thermometer and wipe it with a tissue away from fingers toward the bulb's end
9. Shake the thermometer down and cleanse it with soapy water, rinse under cold water and return it to the storage container
10. Assist patient with replacing gown
11. Record the result and indicate site as "AT"