When & Why?
Measure body temperature to monitor health and recognize changes that may indicate illness or other clinical concerns.
Temperature varies with measurement route, activity, environment, age, and time of day.
Before You Start
- Review the care plan and approved measurement route.
- Explain the procedure and provide privacy.
- Perform hand hygiene.
- Select an appropriate thermometer and probe cover.
- Confirm that the device is clean and functioning.
- Check for conditions that may affect measurement accuracy.
Methods
| Route | Method | Important Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Oral | Probe positioned beneath the tongue | Recent food, drinks, or smoking may affect readings |
| Axillary | Probe placed against skin in the armpit | May be less accurate for estimating core temperature |
| Tympanic | Infrared probe measures temperature in the ear | Placement and earwax can affect readings |
| Temporal | Scanner measures temperature near the forehead | Follow device-specific positioning instructions |
| Rectal | Probe measures rectal temperature | Invasive; requires specific authorization and precautions |
| Non-contact | Infrared device measures without skin contact | Distance, environment, and positioning can affect results |
Steps
- Confirm the resident and prescribed measurement method.
- Explain the procedure and obtain permission.
- Perform hand hygiene and prepare the thermometer.
- Apply the appropriate disposable probe cover when required.
- Position the resident and thermometer according to the device instructions.
- Obtain the temperature reading.
- Remove the device and dispose of the probe cover appropriately.
- Clean and disinfect reusable equipment according to policy.
- Document the temperature, units, time, and measurement route.
- Report concerning findings according to facility parameters.
Safety & Observations
- Wait the appropriate period after oral intake, smoking, or activities that affect temperature according to the device and training instructions.
- Do not use an oral thermometer when the resident cannot safely cooperate with the procedure.
- Do not assume axillary measurement is appropriate for every resident with dementia.
- Do not perform rectal temperature measurement without the required authorization, training, and precautions.
- Do not compare readings from different routes as though they were identical.
- Report unexpectedly high or low readings, especially with concerning symptoms.
- Do not delay urgent escalation for a resident who appears seriously ill.
What Should I Remember?
- Record the route, not just the temperature.
- Use the approved method for the individual resident.
- Temperature readings require clinical context.
- Follow the exact procedure required by your CNA skills checklist.
Related
Practice
- Studied
- Observed
- Practiced
- Passed checkoff
Sources
- CNA Module 10 — Temperature Measurement
- MedlinePlus — Temperature Measurement
- Manufacturer’s thermometer instructions
- Facility temperature measurement and reporting procedures
Flashcards
Why must the temperature measurement route be recorded?03-application / clinical-skills
Answer
Expected readings and accuracy differ by route.
What can temporarily affect an oral temperature reading?02-mechanisms / clinical-skills
Answer
Recent eating, drinking, smoking, or exercise.
Why should temperature readings from different routes not be treated as identical?03-application / clinical-skills
Answer
Different routes may produce different values.