Thermometer : What is it?
| Thermometers are used to measure body temperature. They are commonly used to detect fevers in children. They consist of a heat-sensitive element inside a small calibrated rod. When exposed to heat, the element expands and moves up the rod, stopping at the appropriate calibration. Most thermometers have marks on the 37oC line, indicating the normal body temperature.
Thermometers are usually inserted into the mouth, rectum, or armpit, depending on the type of thermometer and the patient’s condition. Rectal temperatures generally read higher than oral and axillary (armpit) temperatures, although the difference is usually less than one degree. |
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Kinds of Thermometers include the following: |
Glass mercury thermometers Glass mercury thermometers use liquid mercury in a glass tube as their heating element. They are considered the most accurate type of thermometer, but they can break easily and cause the mercury to leak. They cannot be disposed in the trash because mercury is poisonous and can contaminate the environment. Digital thermometers Digital thermometers use crystals or infrared beams to react to heat and measure temperature. They display temperature in numeric for, usually on an LCD screen on the side. They can be used on the rectum, mouth, armpits, and ear canals. Bulb thermometers Bulb thermometers consist of glass tubes with bulbs at the bottom containing mercury or other heat-sensitive liquid. They can be used to take rectal, oral, and axillary temperatures. The bulbs come in different shapes depending on the site where they are used. They have to be shaken before every use to set the indicator below 37oC. |
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Accuracy: Choose a thermometer that makes accurate readouts. Look for one with small calibrations to indicate partial degrees. Make sure the lines are even to avoid erroneous readouts. Look for one with both Celsius and Fahrenheit markings for easier conversion.
Readability: Choose a thermometer with large, clear markings to make it easier to read. Make sure the numbers are large and evenly spaced over the calibrations. Avoid thin glass thermometers and bulb types because the numbers can be hard to read against the glass. Choose digital thermometers if you have poor vision. |
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