CNA Skills – Axillary Temperature to measure body temperature per axilla
Precautions:
1. Wipe the axilla (armpit) with soft dry wash cloth or ball of absorbent cotton to remove moisture. Do not rub.
2. Prevent contact with clothing
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Procedure |
Key Points |
| 1. Put bulb of thermometer on the center with other end slanting towards the body after drying it with a firm twitching motion | Chemical solution may irritate the skin. Cotton with aid of friction aids in removing the solution |
| 2. Have the patient grasp the opposite shoulder with hand | To prevent it from falling |
| 3. Leave it in place for 5 to 8 minutes | When the bulb rest against the superficial blood vessels, in the axilla and skin surfaces are brought together to reduce the amount of air surrounding the bulb a reliable measurement of body temperature can be obtained |
| 4. Remove, read and shake the thermometer |
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