Axillary temperature measurement is the most commonly used method of temperature determination, usually using a mercury thermometer, and the measurement time is usually 10 minutes.
Prior to the measurement of axillary temperature, the mercury column of the thermometer should be shaken to below 35 degrees Celsius, the patient’s armpits and the thermometer should be wiped clean with a dry towel, the heat source beside the body should be removed, and then the head end of the thermometer should be placed deep in the patient’s armpits. The time period is 10 minutes.
Instruct the patient to clamp the upper arm so that the upper arm and the side of the body to form a closed cavity, the thermometer head end should be placed just in the cavity. Underarm temperature measurement is convenient, safe, hygienic, and not prone to cross-infection.
Temperature measurement should be measured in quiet time, because the skin is innervated by the sympathetic nerves, when emotional excitement or movement, the blood flow of the skin will become larger, resulting in a slight increase in body temperature.
Therefore, patients should pay attention to maintaining emotional stability when taking axillary thermometer measurements to avoid the situation where the results are inaccurate, thus affecting the doctor’s diagnosis.
Consult the doctor promptly if there is fever or discomfort.