How much temperature is measured with a mercury thermometer under the arm. How long does a mercury thermometer need to hold

Date: 16.10.2019

The thermoregulation process is one of the most important physiological mechanisms, which ensures the constancy of the internal environment and the course of all biological reactions. Normal temperature human body ranges from 36.5 to 37.2 degrees. This temperature range guarantees the normal functioning of the body's defenses and other vital systems.

Under the influence of infectious and non-infectious factors in children different ages body temperature may increase. This condition is usually accompanied by general malaise, headache, body aches, and decreased appetite. In order to have an idea of the true indicators of the child's body temperature, parents often use a mercury thermometer.

Thermometer characteristics

The nature and duration of the assessment of body temperature indicators directly depend on the selected type of thermometer. Thermometers, which function by expanding mercury particles, are the products that have been used since the invention of the thermometer to measure body temperature. The fact that this type of thermometer has not lost its popularity is due to a number of advantages of a mercury thermometer:

Accuracy of the data obtained in relation to temperature indicators;
Affordable price;
The ability to measure by any of the known methods;
Ease of operation;
Probability of getting unreliable result is reduced to zero.

Despite these advantages, mercury thermometers have several disadvantages. These disadvantages include:

Duration standard procedure is at least 8 minutes;
Fragile thermometer frame;
If the thermometer is damaged, a person runs the risk of poisoning with mercury vapor.

Even taking into account the listed disadvantages, the correct operation of these products will be the guarantor of effective and safe measurement of indicators.

Measurement rules

To get the most accurate result from this procedure, parents need to familiarize themselves with the key recommendations:

Parents should make sure that it is dry before starting to measure the indicators in the child's armpit. If the baby is sweating, then the area of the armpit is wiped dry with a paper napkin. This event will allow you to avoid false results that occur when sweat evaporates and the child's skin cools;
Before using the thermometer, shake it to 35.5 degrees;
The air temperature in the room where the measurement takes place should be between 18 and 25 degrees. If the room is less than 18 degrees, then before starting to measure the temperature of the child's body, it is necessary to warm the thermometer with your palms;
When inserting the mercury thermometer into the armpit, make sure the mercury tip is in contact with the skin baby. When the thermometer is installed, it is important to take care that the armpit is covered by the baby's hand;
At the time of measuring the temperature indicators, it is important to ensure that the child does not move, does not eat or speak;
It is wrong to assess the temperature indicators of the child's body immediately after coming from a walk and after bathing. If the child has recently been capricious or crying, then this procedure is postponed for 30-40 minutes.

To assess this parameter in children of different ages, the areas of the armpit, the oral cavity, the inguinal fold and the rectum are used. If the baby is sick, then this procedure is carried out every 3 hours. If the child is taking antipyretics medicines, then the measurement of indicators is carried out before using the drug and 40 minutes after that.

Assessment of body temperature in oral cavity most often used in children over 3 years old, as this procedure can be traumatic for children younger age... For the safety of measuring the temperature in the mouth, it is necessary to familiarize yourself with the following recommendations:

Before the mercury thermometer is in the child's mouth, it is wiped with a solution of Chlorhexidine or Miramistin;
Before starting the measurement, it is necessary to shake the thermometer to the 35 degree mark;
The optimal place for the mercury thermometer tip is in the child's sublingual area. The parents of the baby need to make sure that the baby's teeth do not press the thermometer tightly (in order to avoid damaging it). The duration of this procedure is 56 minutes.

In children of different ages, it is often necessary to measure indicators rectally (through the rectum). Before using the thermometer, it must be treated with an antiseptic solution and wiped dry. To obtain reliable results of rectal temperature, the following rules should be taken into account:

The depth of insertion of the mercury tip into the child's rectum is 1.5-2 cm;
Before the introduction of the thermometer, the baby is placed on the left side, bending its legs to the stomach;
The tip of the thermometer should be inserted gently with a screw-like motion;
The duration of rectal temperature measurement is from 6 to 8 minutes. During this time, the baby should lie motionless;
After the specified time has elapsed, the tip of the thermometer is carefully removed from the rectum.

The groin fold is not the preferred site for this procedure. The use of this zone is permissible for children. infancy... To implement the procedure, the baby is placed on the back, and one leg is bent in the area hip joint and pressed to the stomach.

The mercury tip of the thermometer is installed in the area of the inguinal fold, pressing it with the baby's leg. The duration of the measurement procedure in this format is from 7 to 10 minutes. During the procedure, care must be taken that the baby does not make sudden movements and does not cry.

Another less common area for measuring body temperature is the ear canal. For this procedure, infrared thermometers are most often used, but their absence is easily compensated by a mercury thermometer.

To carry out the procedure, it is necessary to carefully move the child's earlobe up and back. After that, the tip of the thermometer is inserted into the ear canal. The insertion depth is no more than 1 cm.

It takes 5 to 8 minutes to measure the temperature in the ear canal. This method is preferable for children over 2 years old, since the ear canal is not sufficiently developed in newborns. These babies usually have an increased risk of traumatic injury.

Now we will get acquainted with thermometers and find out how long to hold a thermometer under the arm?

There are now several different methods temperature measurement. In better ways Measurements under the arm, mouth, ear, or rectally are considered. Digital electronic thermometers - the simplest and most quick way temperature measurement. But they also use mercury and alcohol thermometers.

Normal temperature is 36.6 ° C, but can range from 36.2 ° C to 37.7 ° C. Body temperature can change throughout the day. It is usually lower in the morning and rises in the evening. Also, the temperature can change depending on your activity. For example, exercising or playing sports raises the temperature. There are guidelines for how long you should wait after doing some activities before measuring this indicator. You need to wait at least 15 minutes after you or your child has consumed hot drinks or meals to set the thermometer. You should also wait about 15 minutes after taking a hot bath.

Digital.
Electronic.
Mercury.
Alcohol.

You should carefully read the instructions for each type of thermometer.

Digital thermometers are the most common and give the fastest and most accurate results. Digital thermometers can be used in the mouth and under the arm. They are usually made of flexible plastic with a temperature sensor at one end and a display panel at the other. How long should you hold a thermometer under your arm? Until the sound signal, which will notify about the end of the measurement.

Electronic thermometers have a heat-sensitive panel on one side and a digital panel on the other. Electronic thermometers are not always accurate, but they are safe. Digital thermometers can be purchased at drugstores or medical supply stores.

Electronic ear thermometers are fast and easy to use. Ear thermometers can give false readings if the ears have excess hair or wax, or if they are not properly inserted into the ear.

The thermometer for frontal measurement is applied to the forehead and temporal area. Make sure your forehead is dry when you use this thermometer.

How long do you need to hold a thermometer under your arm

Clean the mercury thermometer with warm water and soap or alcohol before and after use. Do not immerse it in water. To measure your armpit temperature: insert the tip under the armpit. Make sure the thermometer does not touch your clothing. Squeeze your hand against your body to hold the thermometer in place. How long should a thermometer be kept? Hold the thermometer under your arm exactly as much until you hear a beep.

In children, normal body temperature ranges from 36 degrees C (96.8 F) to 37 ° C (98.6 F). Any temperature above 37.7 ° C (100F) is classified as a fever.

Mercury thermometers are the most accurate means of measurement, but are now used less and less. A mercury thermometer is a thin glass tube with a silver (metallic) tip and a line inside.

Mercury is a toxic and hazardous chemical. Protection Agency environment(EPA) caution against the use of mercury thermometers. If the thermometer breaks, mercury can enter Airways or skin.

Temperature control (thermoregulation) is part of the homeostatic mechanism that maintains an optimal working temperature for the body, which, in turn, affects the rate of chemical reactions.

Major deviations and diseases

Fever.
Hyperthermia.
Hypothermia.

Fever - elevated temperature ... There is no consensus about the upper temperature threshold, and how dangerous it is. Fever is not a disease; it is one of the symptoms of an underlying disease, most often an infection. Depending on your age, physical condition, it is advisable to know the root cause of the fever, because you may need treatment. Many experts believe that fever is the body's natural defense against infection. There are also many non-infectious causes fever.

Fever is generally not considered dangerous, but fever can cause dangerous spikes in body temperature. Hyperthermia can be caused by extreme temperatures such as heatstroke, as well as side effects some drugs and drugs. With hyperthermia, the body is no longer able to control body temperature.

Hyperthermia occurs when the body produces or absorbs more heat than it can dissipate. This is usually called long-term exposure high temperatures... As a result, the body's heat-regulating mechanisms are overloaded and unable to effectively deal with heat, as a result of which the body temperature rises uncontrollably. Hyperthermia at or above about 40 ° C is life-threatening and needs urgent medical care which requires immediate treatment. Common Symptoms include sweating headache, body aches and fatigue.

Treatment includes cooling the body. Antipyretic drugs are not helpful in treating hyperthermia. Moving the patient to a cool place, a gauze bandage moistened with a solution of vinegar and drinking plenty of fluids are the main methods of dealing with hyperthermia.

In children with fever, symptoms such as lethargy, poor appetite, sore throat, cough, earache, vomiting and diarrhea.

Hypothermia Is a decrease in body temperature that occurs when the body dissipates more heat than it absorbs. Hypothermia is a potentially dangerous drop in body temperature, usually caused by prolonged exposure to cold. The main cause of hypothermia is hypothermia. But it can also be observed in people with diabetes, anorexia, and the elderly. It can often be found in people affected by alcohol intoxication.

Symptoms of hypothermia in adults: drowsiness or fatigue, chills, high blood pressure, slow, weak pulse. Treatment for hypothermia includes hot drinks, warm clothes and physical activity.

Body temperature can indicate many problems in the body. The body reacts to the growth of teeth, bone fractures, poisoning, dehydration.

Anhidrosis Is a pathogenic condition of a person when he cannot sweat. It can be caused by various factors such as genetics, certain skin conditions, medications or damage nervous system... Unable to cool down with the sweat system, the temperature rises to dangerous levels.

Conclusion

There are certain processes in Everyday life that never stop. In order to maintain a healthy metabolic process, our body must function at a certain optimal temperature - from 36.2 ° C to 37.7 ° C... That is, to maintain a balance between losses and gains of heat.

If your body temperature drops too low, your respiratory system will work slowly, eventually leading to death. On the contrary, if your body temperature gets too high, then the enzymes in the blood will stop functioning normally, which will also lead to death.

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Correct thermometer readings are very important for determining the tactics of treating the disease. It is not for nothing that many are wondering how much to keep the thermometer under the arm, because it depends on how correctly the measurement is made.

Measurement methods

Today, the most popular method is measuring the temperature in the armpit. However, this is far from the only way. Measurements can be carried out in the following areas:

in the rectum;
behind the ear (using an infrared thermometer);
in the oral cavity;
under the knee.

How long does it take to measure? It depends on two factors: on the above-mentioned measurement methods and on the type of thermometer.

Mercury thermometer

A mercury thermometer is an inexpensive and accurate instrument. Among the shortcomings - fragility and a significant amount of time required for measurement, but in terms of accuracy of readings, it is out of competition.

How many minutes do you need to hold a mercury thermometer:

rectally or in the mouth - 5 minutes;
under the arm - 10 minutes;
under the knee - 10 minutes.

Such a device is much more expensive, and it is not as accurate as a mercury thermometer, but the procedure for measuring the temperature is much shorter.

The time required for the measurement does not even need to be detected, because the device at the end of the process will emit a sound signal, notifying that the measurement is complete. This usually happens after 1–3 minutes, regardless of the measurement method.

Modern manufacturers offer a wide range of electronic nipple thermometers for babies. With such a gadget, the procedure will not cause any concern for the crumbs, because he will perceive the device as an ordinary nipple.

Infrared thermometer

It is a non-contact device that just needs to be brought to the area behind the ear or to the forehead, and it will give accurate readings. The cost of such a gadget is quite high, but its usability is difficult to dispute.

First of all, comfort is associated with the duration of the procedure: measuring the temperature with an infrared thermometer will take no more than 5 seconds, and besides, it is absolutely safe.

Disposable thermometer

A travel thermometer is a strip that is held on your forehead or placed under your tongue. The body temperature is determined after a minute using the colored divisions on the strip.

You should not expect an accurate result from such a device, however, it is ideal for determining indicators on the road.

To obtain reliable indicators, it is not enough to know how much you need to hold the thermometer, you also need to carry out the measurement procedure correctly. So, if you measure body temperature with a mercury or electronic thermometer, then adhere to the following rules:

When measuring temperature, make sure that the skin is not wet. It is known that a person sweating will have an overestimated value.
When measuring under the arm, you need to press your hand to your body and hold the inserted thermometer tightly. Then the question will not arise: "Why is the temperature on the thermometer minimal, because I have been holding it for a long time?"
If the measurement is made under the knee, then hold the device for 10 minutes. bent leg... In this case, you need to lie down.
Measuring temperature small child, you need to first warm the thermometer in your hands so as not to frighten the baby with a touch of a cold object. It is most convenient to take measurements under the arm while the baby is sleeping.
Children can use the thermometer rectally. An electronic device is better suited for this. Firstly, it is not so traumatic, and secondly, the procedure time with it is shorter. However, it should be borne in mind that the temperature in the rectum is slightly higher than, for example, under the arm.
It must be remembered that older mercury thermometers react more slowly to changes in readings, so they take longer to measure.
Shake the mercury thermometer with sharp, short strokes, holding it between the index and thumbs... In this case, the column should drop to a mark of approximately 35.5 degrees. It is best to do this over a soft surface to avoid damage to the thermometer in the event of a fall.
After the procedure, rinse the device with cool water.
Use the same thermometer to re-measure.

Now you know how to correctly measure the temperature, how long to hold the device under the arm, under the knee, etc. This knowledge is needed by every adult who takes care of their own health and the health of their children.

The effectiveness and correctness of therapy depends on how responsibly you approach the issue of temperature measurement. We hope that our advice will help you get the right readings and start the treatment you need right away.

Thermoregulation is one of the most important abilities of the human body. The average temperature of most people ranges from 36.5 to 37.2.

Therefore, if there are slight deviations in one direction, but a person feels good, then this is his natural temperature.

Each doctor will be able to correctly identify the disease, knowing the exact temperature of the patient.

However, in order to recognize it correctly, you must adhere to specific rules. Know how many minutes you need to measure with a mercury thermometer or electronic thermometer.

It is worth figuring out how to correctly measure the temperature, how many minutes do you need to hold the thermometer?

How long it takes to measure the temperature depends on the measurement method and the type of thermometer.

There are two types of body temperature meters, which differ in the principles of operation - mercury and electronic thermometer and. Each species has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Known to everyone since childhood, the mercury thermometer has not lost its significance and for this moment... Its advantages are as follows:

Budget cost.
Measurement accuracy.
Easy to use.
The ability to measure the temperature in any way.
The probability of error is reduced to zero.

However, such a thermometer also has its drawbacks:

Too fragile.
If damaged, harm to the body is possible.
Measure the temperature for at least 8 minutes.

Electronic thermometers have conquered their niche and have become one notch with a conventional mercury thermometer. The advantages of this method of measurement include:

Short measurement time.
Multifunctionality. It is permissible to measure the temperature by oral, rectal and axillary methods.
Operational safety.

However, in some cases, it is possible to receive incorrect data due to a malfunction of the thermometer's internal program.

Many people have measured the temperature with a mercury thermometer a huge number of times, while they have never wondered if they are measuring correctly?

And to the question of how long to hold a thermometer, each of the patients answers differently.

It is worth noting that there are special rules of procedure that must be followed when measuring indicators. Step-by-step instruction measurements:

The temperature in the room where the measurement is carried out should be in the range of 18-25 degrees. If the room is cooler, then before sending the thermometer to the armpit, you need to warm the thermometer with your palms (a few minutes).
Before proceeding with the actual measurement, make sure that the armpit is dry. If wet, wipe off with a dry cloth. Doing so will significantly reduce the chances of the meter cooling due to sweat evaporation. Before use, remember to shake the thermometer to 35.5.
When installing the thermometer, make sure that the tip with mercury touches the body on all sides. After insertion, press the shoulder and elbow against the body so that the armpit is closed. It should be noted that the density of the abutment must be maintained throughout the measurement period.
Do not measure body temperature immediately after coming from fresh air, physical activity or a hot bath. At severe stress or nervous disorders the temperature will generally be elevated as well. You can get the wrong result even after a hot and hearty meal. In all such situations, you need to wait 30 minutes, and then start the procedure. These 30 minutes should be spent in a calm and relaxed state.
At the moment of measuring body temperature, you cannot move, you just need to sit, not talk, not eat, and so on.
For accurate readings, the measurement time is 8 to 10 minutes.

When a patient is sick and needs to measure his body temperature, this should be done several times a day. In this case, it is better to put the thermometer at the same time. For example, in the morning around 11 o'clock, and in the evening around 8 pm.

For diseases that are accompanied by taking, measurements take place before taking the medication, and then after taking it, after 40-50 minutes.

It is worth noting that if several people use the thermometer, do not forget to wipe it with antiseptic solutions, then wipe it dry with a towel and send it to be stored in a case.

A mercury thermometer can also measure the temperature in the mouth. The main thing here is caution, one wrong movement of the teeth and in the mouth there may be many fragments soaked in mercury. Before you start taking oral temperature measurements, you need to know:

Before sending the thermometer into your mouth, you must wipe its tip with warm water, and then with an antiseptic (Miramistin, Chlorhexidine).
Do not forget to shake the mercury thermometer to the 35 degree mark.
After that, the meter is placed under the tongue (to the right or left of the bridle), the mouth is tightly closed, and slightly adheres to the instrument with the teeth. Do not squeeze too much.
Leave in the mouth for five minutes, then you can watch the result.

After using the device, rinse it again with warm water and an antiseptic. Also, it is worth knowing that before measuring, you need to refrain from smoking and from hot drinks, which can affect the readings of the thermometer. As a result, the measurement accuracy will be impaired.

Often it becomes necessary to measure rectal temperature, doctors advise doing this procedure with an ordinary mercury thermometer, it is he who will give more accurate results of indicators.

However, in order to see the most accurate picture, you need to know how to measure the temperature correctly and how long you need to hold a thermometer. Step-by-step measurement steps:

The thermometer is inserted into the rectum by 2-2.5 centimeters.
The measurement time should be 6-8 minutes. This time you need to lie still, which ensures the accuracy of the measurement.
After the lapse of time, carefully remove.

It is worth remembering that 37.3-37.7 is considered the norm for temperature in the rectum.

An electronic thermometer works through a sensor located at its tip. Before proceeding with the measurement of indicators, you must familiarize yourself with the rules of use:

The armpit should not be wet.
Attach the thermometer to the armpit as tightly as possible and press it against the body.
After that, lower your hand, thereby giving the thermometer a perpendicular position to the body.
Press firmly with your hand or lie on your side. The point is to get a more accurate measurement result, there should be a slight pressure on the sensor.

And how long to keep such a thermometer, patients are interested? The instructions say that you must hold until the signal that the meter will give. In reality, it’s not like that.

If placed incorrectly, the thermometer may not show the temperature of the human body, but the temperature of the air in the armpit or even in the room, therefore, before proceeding with the measurement, it is required to hold the thermometer in the armpit off for up to 10 minutes. And only then turn it on.

There is also such an option, after the thermometer has given a signal, you can hold it for a few more minutes. In this case, the indicators will correspond to reality to the maximum.

Many are interested in how long to keep a thermometer in your mouth to get an accurate result? To obtain accurate data, it will not take much time, it is enough to send the thermometer into your mouth for 30-60 seconds.

In conclusion, it is worth saying that in order to get the most accurate picture of measurements, you must follow all the rules and recommendations for measurement, and also, do not forget how long you need to keep a mercury or electronic thermometer. The video in this article will act as a visual aid for measuring temperature.

Where do you measure the temperature? Under your arm? In vain is not the best place... Experts from the University of Örebro (Sweden) were able to help us decide where to put the thermometer at the first symptoms of influenza and acute respiratory infections. During the study, they measured the temperature of the volunteers in the armpit, mouth, ear, vagina and rectum. Who do you think won?

323 patients University clinic bravely endured the hardships of the experiment. As it turned out, not in vain. The word "shove" in the end really turned out to be the most appropriate. Scientists have obtained convincing data that the most accurate result is given by measuring the temperature in the rectum.

Scientists believe ear thermometry readings distort hair and earwax, it is quite difficult to hold the thermometer in your mouth correctly, and the result of axillary thermometry is influenced by deodorant and clothing. But measuring degrees in the rectum may not be very convenient, but accurate.

Vaginal thermometry also gives a correct result, but statistics prevented to call this method the most preferable one.

Normal temperature readings

02.08.2016 - 31.08.2020

533d left

And so, here normal performance temperature at different ways measurements:

- orally - 35.7-37.3;
- rectally - 36.2-37.7,
- axillary (in the armpits) - 35.2-36.7.
- inguinal fold 36.3 ° -36.9 ° C.
- vagina - 36.7 ° -37.5 ° C

Important: Oral and rectal temperature measurements are more accurate than armpit temperatures.

The most familiar way of measurement - axillary, by the way, turned out to be the most inaccurate. The normal temperature in the armpit does not start from 36.6 ° C, but from 36.3 ° C. Normally, the difference between the armpits is from 0.1 to 0.3 ° C. So it turns out that an error of 0.5 ° for axillary thermometry is common. And if the thermometer shows 36.9 ° for several days, but you actually have 37.4 °, it can already be dangerous.

Basic rules for measuring temperature

Not ready to change habits, then here's to you 10 basic rules for measuring temperature.

1. The temperature in the room should be 18-25 degrees. If less, the thermometer must first be warmed in the palms for about half a minute.
2. Wipe the armpit with a tissue or dry towel. Doing so will significantly reduce the chances of the meter cooling due to sweat evaporation.
3. Do not forget to shake the mercury thermometer or turn on the electronic one (Gamma, Omron, Microlife).
4. The metal tip of an electronic thermometer (or a conventional mercury column) should fall into the very deep point depressions, tightly in contact with the body. It should be noted that the density of the abutment must be maintained throughout the measurement period.
5. The temperature is not measured immediately after a walk, physical exertion, a hearty meal, hot tea, a warm bath and nervous overexcitement (for example, if the child cried for a long time). You need to wait 10-15 minutes.
6. During the measurement, you cannot move, talk, eat, drink.
7. Measurement time for a mercury thermometer - 6-10 minutes, electronic - 1-3 minutes... Remember: electronic thermometers are safer than mercury thermometers.
8. You need to take out the thermometer smoothly - due to friction against the skin, a few tenths of a degree may be added.
9. During illness, the temperature should be measured in the morning (7-9 am) and in the evening (between 17 and 21). It is important to do this at the same time, before taking antipyretic drugs or 30-40 minutes after.
10. If the thermometer is used by all family members, it should be wiped clean. disinfectant solution and wipe dry after each use.

Question answer

the highest category

Sulimanova Elena Petrovna

Why is the reading of an electronic thermometer sometimes different from a mercury one?

Because we are using the former incorrectly. After the device beeps, you need to hold it for about a minute - then the result will be correct.

How to properly hold a thermometer under your arm?

The thermometer probe must be positioned exactly in the middle of the armpit.

To obtain an accurate result, the thermal sensor of an electronic thermometer should fit as tightly as possible to the skin under the armpit. The hand must be firmly pressed against the body until the end of the measurement.

Under which armpit should the temperature be measured correctly?

There is no difference, usually it is the armpit of the non-working hand, but again, there is no difference. There is a slight difference when measuring pressure.

How to measure temperature without a thermometer?

Lips, the touch of the lips to the forehead of the sick person. If there really is a fever, it will be simply impossible not to feel it in this situation. The lips, in contrast to the hand, with which you can also try to measure the temperature, are more sensitive.

Another way to determine fever without a thermometer is to set the heart rate. According to medical research, with an increase in body temperature in people by 1 degree, their pulse is proportionally able to increase in frequency by about 10 beats per minute... Therefore, a high heart rate may be a direct consequence of a patient's fever.

If a person suspects that he is sick, and this happens especially often in winter, then the first means to confirm these guesses is a thermometer with which it is measured. If it is high, then immediate treatment should be started so as not to get complications. But does everyone know how long to keep a thermometer?

Let's start with the fact that there are electronic ones. Both should be able to use correctly in order for the readings to be accurate. It is also very important that the temperature of children and adults is measured in different ways.

The most effective is a mercury device. At the same time, electronic is more secure. The exact time, how long to hold a thermometer, depends on what it is. So, a mercury thermometer measures the temperature from three to ten minutes. For three minutes is enough to find out accurate readings... Now you know how long you need to hold a mercury thermometer and how much is an electronic one. There is no doubt that the second option will measure the temperature much faster. To reset the reading, after you have already measured the temperature with a mercury thermometer, be sure to shake the thermometer, otherwise the next time these results may be overestimated. With the help of an electronic device, you can more accurately find out your temperature.

How to hold it correctly should be clamped under the arm. In this case, the skin should not be sweaty, otherwise the readings will be incorrect. The thing is that the temperature of the sweat produced is higher than that of the body itself, therefore, in the case of moisture under the arm, the measurement result will be clearly overestimated.

While you are waiting for the reading, you should keep your hand firmly pressed to your body. After a few minutes, you will see the correct readings on the thermometer. If you have an old mercury device, then you can slightly extend the measurement time, since being in operation for a long time, such thermometers react more slowly to changes in body temperature.

Now that you know how long to hold the thermometer, you can use another method to insert the thermometer under the knee. The leg must be bent so that the thermometer is firmly held for the right time. This method is best done while lying on your back or on your side.

Young children can have their temperature taken rectally by inserting a thermometer into their buttocks. Here it will be more convenient and safer to use an electronic device, since it measures faster and cannot harm the child. Remember that the reading is always slightly higher than when measured under the arm or under the knee.

To the question of how much to hold a thermometer for a child, one can confidently answer: as much as an adult. If the baby is asleep, then you can put the thermometer under your arm, after warming it in your hands. This way you won't wake him up with a cold touch. Be very careful not to disturb the baby's sleep, otherwise the temperature is unlikely to be measured.

If you know how long you need to hold the thermometer, but as a result of measurements it seems to you that the readings are not correct enough, then repeat this procedure again. Measure the temperature again to be sure the results are accurate.

Regardless of whether you use mercury or you use to measure the temperature of a child, this must be done very carefully. This is especially true of a mercury device, because mercury is very dangerous substance.

Lovers of skipping school know how to artificially raise the temperature. To do this, for example, they take out a lead from a simple pencil and simply eat it. Yes, the temperature does rise, but at the same time you run the risk of poisoning. Therefore, it is better not to resort to such methods.

Many do not know how to correctly measure the temperature with a mercury thermometer... Minor changes in body temperature affect the well-being of both adults and children. Temperature is measured in three ways: orally, rectally and in the armpit. 1

How should you use a mercury thermometer?

Due to the presence of mercury, it is very dangerous. Many refuse them, preferring electronic ones. But mercury thermometers continue to be the most popular. It is most commonly used to measure body temperature under the arm or mouth. It cannot be used rectally as it is very fragile.

The most common way of measuring is under the armpit, however, it is not the most accurate.

How should you measure your underarm temperature?

Armpit wipe with a napkin. This is to prevent sweat from evaporating and cooling the thermometer.
It should be placed so that the cap with mercury is in full contact with the body and reaches the deepest point in the armpit.
The hand is pressed to the body, closing the axillary fossa.
The duration of the measurement time should not exceed 10 minutes.

During a cold from thermometers, it is better not to go to bed, as a person can fall asleep and accidentally damage him, pouring out all the mercury.

How should the temperature in the mouth be measured?

This method is contraindicated in patients suffering from mental disorder and small children. The correctness of the indications is influenced by the presence of a runny nose, diseases of the oral cavity, food intake and smoking.

The thin end of the thermometer is placed under the tongue;
the mouth is not opened so that air does not enter;
the measurement duration ranges from 3 to 5 minutes.

How is rectal measurement performed?

To measure temperature by the rectal method, it is better to use an electronic thermometer. This measurement method is considered the most accurate. Contraindications to measurement - any diseases of the rectum.

The part of the thermometer that will be inserted rectally is smeared with petroleum jelly.
The position of an adult is on the side, a child is on the stomach.
The thermometer is turned on and waited for the start indicator to appear.
After that, it is injected into the rectum for a few cm.
During measurement, the thermometer must be held with two fingers.
Eliminates the intake of cold air.
It is forbidden to move it during the measurement and sharply enter it into the rectum.
Measurement time takes 1-2 minutes. You can also wait for a beep.