Modes of temperature measurement:
Axillary temperature: Dry the armpit so that there is no moisture there. Place the thermometer in the child's armpit [axilla] for 2 min. Check the height of mercury column in the thermometer.
Oral temperature: May be taken if the child is more than 5 years of age. Younger children may bite or break the thermometer.Even in older children it is cumbersome and many children do not co-operate. Place the thermometer's bulb-end in the mouth for two minutes.Check the height of mercury column for determining the oral temeperature.
Rectal : This is mainly used by health care professionals. Digital / tympanic thermometer. Forhead thermometer : The strip is kept over forehead. It is a convenient method that can be used even when the child is not co-operating. There is no risk of injury and can be used in children aged three years or younger.
