Advantages and Disadvantages of Body Temperature Measurement

Temperature is a statement about the comparison (degrees) heat of a substance. Can also be said as a measure of heat / coldness of an object.

While the science of thermodynamics, temperature is a measure of the tendency of the form or system to release energy spontaneously.

Core Temperature and Surface Temperature

Core temperature: the temperature found on the inside of the body tissues, such as the cranial, thoracic, abdominal cavity and pelvic cavity. This temperature is usually maintained relatively constant (approximately 37 ° C).
Place the core temperature measurements are most effective: the rectum, the tympanic membrane, esophagus, pulmonel arteries, bladder, rectal.


Surface temperature: the temperature in the skin, subcutaneous tissue, and fat. This temperature can typically fluctuate by 20 ° C to 40 ° C.

Surface temperature measurements place the most effective: skin, axillary, oral.


Advantages and Disadvantages of Body Temperature Measurement

1. Tympanic Membrane
Advantages

• Easily accessible place.
• Change the position of the required minimum.
• Give an accurate reading of the core.
• The measurement time is very fast (2-5 seconds).
• Can be done without waking or disturbing the client.

Disadvantages

• Hearing aids must be removed before the measurements.
• Should not be performed on clients who have ear surgery or tympanic membrane.
• Requires wrapping disposable probe.
• Cerumen impaction and otitis media can interfere with temperature measurements.
• The accuracy of the measurements in newborns and children under 3 years old are still in doubt.

2. Rectal
Advantages:

• Proved to be more reliable if the oral temperature can not be obtained
• Shows the core temperature.

Disadvantages:

• Should not be performed on clients who have rectal surgery, rectal disorder, pain in the rectal area, or tend to hemorrhage.
• Requires a change in position and can be a source of embarrassment and anxiety.
• Risk of exposure to body fluids.
• Require lubrication.
• Contradicted in newborns.

3. Oral
Advantages:

• Easily accessible and do not require a change in position.
• Convenient for the client.
• Give an accurate surface temperature readings.

Disadvantages:

• Should not be done at the client who breathe through the mouth.
• Should not be performed on clients who have oral surgery, oral trauma, a history of epilepsy, or trembling from the cold.
• Should not be carried out on infants, small children, children who are crying or client confusion, unconsciousness or uncooperative.
• The risk of exposure to body fluids.

4. Axilla
Advantages:

• Safe and non-invasive.
• The preferred way in newborns and clients are uncooperative.

Disadvantages:

• Long measurement time.
• Require nurses to help maintain the position of the client.