Oral Procedure

Procedure
• Explain the procedure to the patient

• Wash hands and assemble necessary equipment and bring to the patient bedside.

• Position the person comfortably and request the patient to open the mouth;

• Hold the thermometer firmly with the thumb and fore finger; shake it with strong wrist movements until the mercury line falls to at least 35 oc .

• Place the bulb of the thermometer well under the client’s tongue. Instruct the client to close the lips (not the teeth) around the bulb. Ensure that the bulb rests
well under the tongue, where it will be in contact with blood vessels close to the surface.

• Remove the thermometer after 3 to 5 minutes, according to the agency guidelines.

• Remove the thermometer, wipe it using it once a firm twisting motion

• Hold the thermometer at eye level. Read to the nearest tenth

• Dispose the tissue. Wash the thermometer in lukewarm, soapy water. Dry and replace the thermometer in a container at bedside. Wash your hands.

• Record temperature on paper or flow sheet. Report an abnormal reading to the appropriate person.

Contraindication
• Child below 7 yrs
• If the patient is delirious, mentally ill
• Unconscious
• Uncooperative or in severe pain
• Surgery of the mouth
• Nasal obstruction
• If patient has nasal or gastric tubs in place