General Nursing (RGN)
Checking and Recording of Body Temperature
Measurement and documentation of a patient's body temperature using an appropriate thermometer and measurement site.
Purpose
- Determine body temperature.
- Monitor changes in temperature.
- Identify abnormal temperature readings.
- Provide information for clinical assessment.
Indications
- Routine monitoring of vital signs.
- Suspected fever or hypothermia.
- Monitoring response to treatment.
- Patients requiring regular temperature monitoring.
Equipment
- Thermometer (digital/tympanic/mercury as per institutional protocol)
- Swabs/tissue
- Receiver for used swabs
- Alcohol swabs
- Temperature chart (Manual or electronic)
- Watch with second hand
Procedure steps
- Explain procedure to patient.
- Perform hand hygiene.
- Assemble equipment and take to bedside.
- Position patient comfortably.
- Check the site to be used is free from any contraindication.
- Clean thermometer if applicable.
- Place thermometer in appropriate site for the required time as per device instructions.
- Remove thermometer and read the temperature.
- Note the reading.
- Clean thermometer and return to appropriate storage.
- Perform hand hygiene.
- Record temperature reading on the chart with date and time.
- Report any abnormal readings to appropriate officer.
- Reposition patient comfortably.
Precautions
- Use an appropriate thermometer and measurement site.
- Check for contraindications.
- Follow device instructions.
- Clean equipment appropriately.
- Report abnormal readings promptly.
Educational resource only. Follow current Nursing and Midwifery Council guidance, local institutional protocols, scope of practice, and clinical supervision.
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